Muller cell and neuronal remodeling in retinal detachment and reattachment and their potential consequences for visual recovery: a review and reconsideration of recent data

Recent evidence suggests that the adult mammalian retina is far more plastic than was previously thought. Retinal detachment induces changes beyond the degeneration of outer segments (OS). Changes in photoreceptor synapses, second- and even third-order neurons may all contribute to imperfect visual recovery that can occur after Successful reattachment. Changes that occur in Muller cells have obvious effects through subretinal fibrosis and proliferative vitreoretinopathy, but other unidentified effects seem likely as well. Reattachment of the retina induces its own set of responses aside from OS re-growth. Reattachment halts the growth of Muller cell processes into the subretinal space, but induces their growth on the vitreal surface. It also induces the outgrowth of rod axons into the inner retina. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.