Relationship of macrophage-like cells and retinal ganglion cells in healthy eyes.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Macrophage-like cells (MLCs) contribute to retinal immune homeostasis and support neuronal function. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between MLCs and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness in healthy eyes, assessing potential influences of age and sex.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 97 eyes of 49 healthy individuals. GCL thickness was measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), while MLCs were identified and counted from 6×6 mm swept-source OCT-angiography images processed with FIJI software. MLCs were quantified in four macular quadrants (superior, inferior, nasal and temporal). Correlation, stratified analyses and quadratic regression models were applied to explore associations between GCL thickness and MLC count, incorporating age and sex as covariates.

RESULTS

Correlation coefficients between GCL thickness and MLC count were negative but weak. ANOVA revealed significant differences across GCL quartiles for MLC count in the inferior (p=0.013) and temporal (p=0.005) quadrants. Post hoc analyses demonstrated that MLC count peaked at moderate GCL thickness and declined at lower or higher thicknesses. Quadratic regression confirmed a bell-shaped relationship. Including age and sex-improved model fit: older age correlated with higher MLC count in the inferior quadrant, and sex differences were observed in the temporal quadrant. However, model R² values remained modest (<10%).

CONCLUSION

In healthy eyes, MLC distribution shows a non-linear, bell-shaped association with GCL thickness, peaking at moderate GCL values. Age and sex further modulate MLC count. These findings suggest a tightly regulated neuroimmune environment in the healthy retina and may provide a baseline for detecting early neuroinflammatory or neurodegenerative changes.