2 research outputs found
Novel morphometric analysis of higher order structure of human radial peri-papillary capillaries: relevance to retinal perfusion efficiency and age
We apply novel analyses to images of superfcial capillaries that are located near and around the optic
disc of the human retina: the radial peri-papillary capillaries (RPCs). Due to their unique perfusion of the
nerve fbre layer the RPCs are particularly signifcant for optic-neuropathies. The inputs to the analysis
were z-stacks from 3D confocal fuorescence microscopy from 62 human retinas aged 9 to 84 years. Our
aim was to fnd morphometric correlates of age. The retinas had no ophthalmic history. The analysis
was undertaken in two stages: (1) converting the z-stacks to 3D tubular networks of vessels, and (2)
characterizing the tubular networks using features derived from the Minkowski functionals (MFs). The
MFs measure: the capillary volume, surface area, mean breadth, and Euler number. The mean breadth
is related to tortuosity, wall shear stress and resistance to fow, and the Euler number is related to the
density of loops (collaterals). Features derived from the surface area, mean breadth and Euler number
were most related to age (all p≤0.006). The results indicate the importance of pressure-equalizing
loops and tortuosity as quantitative measures related to perfusion efciency. The novel morphometric
analysis could quantify disease-related accelerated aging and vessel malformation.Tis research was supported by Australian Research Council through the ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision
Science CE0561903 and LP140100763, and Baxter Charitable Foundation and NHMRC Principal Research
Fellowship, 1005730 to TCL