Andreas Bringmann - Böcker

The Fovea: Structure, Function, Development, and Disease summarizes the current biological knowledge regarding the two types of the vertebrate fovea (and its main structural elements, the M�ller cells). This information is then used to explain different aspects of human vision, foveal development, and macular disorders. Sections give an overview of the retinal structure and the different types of retinal glia, survey the structure and function of the primate and non-mammalian fovea types, discuss foveal development-with a focus on the human fovea, cover the roles of M�ller cells and astrocytes in the pathogenesis and regeneration of various human macular disorders are described.

Using a translational approach, this reference is a valuable text for scientists, clinicians and physicians interested in the fovea. Readers will gain a new understanding of the cellular basics of the fovea, which is the most important part of the eye.

Adopts a translational approach, summarizing the biological knowledge regarding the structure and function of the fovea, the roles of M�ller cells in mediating the structural integrity, and function of the fovea Provides overviews of both basic types of the vertebrate fovea, countering the popular belief that there is only one type of the vertebrate fovea, the human fovea Thoroughly shows the mechanisms involved in the development of the fovea that explain the rapid improvement of visual acuity in newborns Explains pathological changes in the foveal structure and function with evaluation pointing toward possible prevention and/or cure

Müller cells may be used in the future for novel therapeutic strategies to protect neurons against apoptosis (for example, somatic gene therapy), or to differentiate retinal neurons from Müller/stem cells. Meanwhile, a proper understanding of the gliotic responses of Müller cells in the diseased retina, and of their protective vs. detrimental effects, is essential for the development of efficient therapeutic strategies that use and stimulate the neuron-supportive/-protective - and prevent the destructive - mechanisms of gliosis.

Müller cells may be used in the future for novel therapeutic strategies to protect neurons against apoptosis (for example, somatic gene therapy), or to differentiate retinal neurons from Müller/stem cells. Meanwhile, a proper understanding of the gliotic responses of Müller cells in the diseased retina, and of their protective vs. detrimental effects, is essential for the development of efficient therapeutic strategies that use and stimulate the neuron-supportive/-protective - and prevent the destructive - mechanisms of gliosis.