Microvasculature of the Retina, Ciliary Processes and Choroid in the North American Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Eye: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of Corrosion Casts

Abstract

We have studied the vasculature of the retina, ciliary processes and choroid in the North American raccoon (Procyon lotor), a nocturnal mammal, using light and scanning electron microscopic examination of corrosion casts. We carried out an identical study in the crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis), which forages only during the daytime, in order to compare the ocular vasculature with that of nocturnal mammals. Our observations in raccoons demonstrated a photoreceptor layer associated with rich lymph and a poorly vascularized retina. The meridian region of the eye, which lies in the horizontal plane and pass around the optic disc, had a markedly sparse capillary network. This horizontal sparse vascular band may correspond to a visual streak. Ciliary process capillaries were delicate, and formed a well-developed and compact network. Choriocapillaries were quite thin and formed a coarse capillary network. This contrasted with the dense retinal and well-extended choroidal capillary networks noted in the macaques. Our findings suggest that the sparse retinal capillary network in raccoons is extremely beneficial for photon capture, thereby allowing the raccoon to see well at night, as the retinal vessels restrict the inflow of photons toward the photoreceptors. The well-developed lymph probably compensates for the sparse retinal capillaries and choriocapillaries and nourishes the retina in the nocturnal raccoon.