Fig. 1

The schematic illustrations of the retinal neurovascular unit and cross-section. (a) The schematic illustration of the neurovascular unit in the retina. It is composed of neurons, vascular cells (endothelial cells and pericytes), glia (Müller cells and astrocytes) and related immune cells (microglial cells), forming functional coupling and interactions. Neurons are closely associated with neighboring pericytes, glial cells and microglial cells. Pericytes directly communicate with endothelial cells through peg-socket contacts. Glia and microglial cells are connected with neurons and retinal pericytes. (b) The schematic illustration of a retinal cross-section. The cell bodies of retinal neurons are located in the ganglion cell layer (ganglion cells), inner nuclear layer (amacrine cells, bipolar cells, horizontal cells) and outer nuclear cell (rods and cones). Retinal neurons, glial cells, microglial cells and blood vessels are interactively connected. ILM: internal limiting membrane; GCL: ganglion cell layer; OPL: outer plexiform layer; ONL: outer nuclear layer