Light dependent accumulation of macrophages at the photoreceptor-pigment epithelial interface in the retina of albino mice

Summary In the subretinal space of albino mice, macrophages appear from the time of eye opening and increase in number for 6 months; thereafter they decline with age. Dark rearing retards the accumulation of these cells, and exposure to constant light results in a rapid increase. Observations suggest that macrophages appear as a response to visual cell decay in albino mice and supplement the phagocytic activity of the pigment epithelium.We thank R.K. Hawkins for efficient management of the animal colony, H.G. Jansen for cooperation in the use of electron microscope and Ms Paula van Alphen for help in preparation of the illustrations.