Fig. 5

a In the left eye, above Bruch’s membrane (BM) with its elastic layer and subjacent choriocapillaris (CH), are two to three layers of pigment epithelial cells (PE) with loss of polarity. A capillary vessel (arrows) is present within the subretinal membrane. ME choroidal melanocyte (EM ×1,450). b Pigment epithelial cells (PE) approach a neovascular (NV) channel. The PE cells interface with broad processes of Mueller cells (MC) in the upper half of the field with myriad mitochondria. Inset: fenestrations (arrows) of the endothelial cells of the neoformed capillary and a thick surrounding basement membrane (BM) (EM ×1,950). c At the edge of the membrane, pigment epithelial cells (PE) with basement membrane (BM) are positioned on Bruch’s membrane (BM). Within the cytoplasm of the central PE cell is a degenerated compact whorled membranous body (arrow), another of which is also shown toward the right in the cytoplasm of an indeterminate cell (crossed arrow). The underlying choriocapillaris (Cc) with its endothelial cells (E) is patent. CH choroid (EM ×2,600). d An inner choroidal inflammatory infiltrate is composed of lymphocytes (L). Small uveal melanosomes have been released into the extracellular space (arrows). A large melanophage (M) contains complex phagolysosomes (crossed arrows) of engulfed uveal melanin. E extravasated erythrocyte (EM ×1,450)