The Retinal Pigment Epithelium Apical Microvilli and Retinal Function.

The RPE performs highly specialized, unique functions essential for homeostasis of the neural retina. These include phagocytosis of photoreceptors shed outer segments, directional transport of nutrients into and removal of waste products from photoreceptor cells and visual pigment transport and regeneration. All of these functions involve the RPE apical microvilli.1-4 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]