Semmelweis University, School of PhD Studies

Abbreviations Introduction 1. Functional aspects of drusen regression in AMD 1.1. Etiology and pathogenesis of AMD 1.2. Clinical manifestations of AMD 1.3. Drusen 1.4. Functional characteristics of the retina in aging and AMD 1.5. Fundus autofluorescence 1.6. Fundus autofluorescence imaging and its limitations 1.7. Fundus autofluorescence anomalies associated with AMD 1.8. Functional correlates of pathological fundus features and FAF anomalies associated with AMD 2. Characterisation of Bruch's membrane ultrastructure in apoB-100 and biglycan transgenic mice 2.1. The histopathology of the RPE-choriocapillaris interface 2.2. Histopathologic features associated with aging and early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 2.3. Accumulation of sub-RPE debris 2.4. The lipid-barrier hypothesis 2.5. Lipid deposition-pathways in atherosclerosis and AMD 2.6. Murine models of lipid retention Aims Methods 1. Functional aspects of drusen regression in AMD 1.1. Patients 1.2. Imaging 1.3. Phenotyping 1.4. Psychophysical testing 1.4.1. Fine-Matrix Mapping 1.4.2. FMM Data processing 1.5. Fixation stability 1.6. Image processing and analysis 1.7. Legal issues 2. Characterisation of Bruch's membrane ultrastructure in apoB-100 and biglycan transgenic mice 2.1. Mice 2.2. Diet and environment 2.3. Determination of serum cholesterol levels 2.4. Tissue preparation 3 2.5. TEM measurements 2.6. Statistical analysis Discussion 1. Functional aspects of drusen regression in AMD 2. Characterisation of Bruch's membrane ultrastructure in apoB-100 and biglycan transgenic mice Conclusions Summary Az értekezés eredményeinek összefoglalása References Publications and presentations of the author related to the thesis Other Publications and presentations by the author Acknowledgements