Tissue response to subtotal retinectomy in a rabbit model.
We surgically removed lenses and as much retina as accessible in one eye of six pigmented rabbits which were followed for up to four months postsurgically. Clinically, pre-RPE membranes were noted to form within the first weeks after surgery, and eyes remained hypotensive in the absence of notable inflammation. Morphologic studies demonstrated a variable response of RPE, ranging from atrophy to hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Pre-RPE membranes appeared to arise from both the RPE as well as from tags of peripheral retina and were of two morphologic types: spindle cell-collagenous membranes, and a highly cellular glial membrane. Bone formation within collagenous membranes was seen in four of six eyes studied.
Peiffer
R L
RL
Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27514.
Orgel
I K
IK
Lewen
R M
RM
Eifrig
D E
DE
D000818:Animals; D005123:Eye / Q000473:pathology; D008566:Membranes / Q000473:pathology; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011817:Rabbits; D012160:Retina / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*