New study exposes lymphatic precursors Results advances understanding of blood vessels and immune responses

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — An Australian research team identified lymphatic precursors in the developing and young adult retina and choroid that may provide a better understanding of blood vessels and immune responses and the interaction of the immune system in retinal disease.

According to the scientists, new blood vessel growth and branching appear to precede the formation of lymphatic vessels.

The study, presented at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, found that new lymph vessel growth centers around the optic nerve head. By tracing the pathway of lymphatic drainage from the back of the eye, the researchers reported significant structural evidence of lymphatic vessels in the human retina and choroid; the extent of lymph vasculature was greater in the choroid than retina.

Abstract Title: Evidence Of Lymphatic Vessels In The Developing And Young Adult Human Retina and Choroid
Presentation Start/End Time: Monday, May 2, 2011; 9:45 – 10am
Location: Room 114
Session Number: 201

# # #

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest eye and vision research organization in the world. Members include more than 12,500 eye and vision researchers from over 80 countries. ARVO encourages and assists research, training, publication and knowledge-sharing in vision and ophthalmology. For more information, visit www.arvo.org.

All abstracts accepted for presentation at the ARVO Annual Meeting represent previously unpublished data and conclusions. This research may be proprietary or may have been submitted for journal publication. Embargo policy: Journalists must seek approval from the presenter(s) before reporting data from paper or poster presentations. Press releases or stories on information presented at the ARVO Annual Meeting may not be released or published until the conclusion of the presentation.

Media Contact:
Katrina Norfleet
+1.240.221.2924
knorfleet@arvo.org