Pericytes in Retinal

Introduction Recent research has disclosed involvement of pericytes in neurovascular coupling of retinal capillaries independent of the arteriole-mediated functional hyperemia. This view is supported by studies showing expression of the contractile protein α-smooth muscle actin in capillary pericytes in low but sufficient quantities to control capillary diameter. During retinal ischemia, injured pericytes persistently contract and disrupt microcirculation as well as impairing blood-retinal barrier function. Studies revealing the link between retinal ischemia and pericyte dysfunction are reviewed in this chapter.