Retinal oxygenation via the choroidal circulation

The possibility of supplying normal amounts of oxygen to the inner layers of the retina by diffusion from the choroid in the presence of retinal arterial obstruction was studied in cats and rhesus monkeys. While the animals were under general anesthesia, an oxygen electrode was placed in the vitreous cavity immediately adjacent to the retina, and a retinal artery blocker probe was used to occlude various segments of the retina blood supply. The inspired oxygen concentration was alternated between 20% and 100%. The choroidal circulation was intermittently occluded by elevating the intraocular pressure. In all animals it was possible to return the oxygen tension of the innermost retina to normal concentrations or above while the retinal arterial circulation alone was occluded, by having the animal breathe 100% oxygen at one atmosphere pressure. This could not be done when the intraocular pressure was elevated to 85 mm Hg, occluding the choroidal as well as the retinal circulation. The electroretinogram and the visually evoked response were recorded in cats while the retinal circulation was occluded and the inspired oxygen concentration changed from 20% to 100% at one atmosphere pressure. The electroretinogram and the visually evoked response were extinguished by occluding the retinal circulation while the animal was breathing 20% oxygen, and these responses were returned to normal by changing to a 100% inspired oxygen concentration.