Casts of chorodial vasculature at physiologic pressures. A new technique

A method for making latex rubber casts of the ocular vasculature while maintaining physiologic vascular relations has been developed. A series of short-haired domestic ctas, Rhesus monkeys, and albino rabbits were anesthetized and cannulated in the common carotid arteries. The jugular veins were severed, and heparinized saline was infused into the carotid arterial circulation of the animals for complete exsanguination of the head. Throughout the infusion procedure, normal physiologic pressure was maintained. After exsanguination was complete, a solution of latex rubber in distilled water was infused bilaterally and continued until the flow from the jugular veins ceased. The eyes were enucleated and placed in a curing solution. After fixation, the eyes were selectively trimmed and placed into a solution of sodium hydroxide for digestion. The digested tissue was transferred to distilled water for dissection. After dissection, the cast was closely inspected for completeness of capillary filling. Casts such as these are intended for use in observations of ocular vascular anatomy.