[A model of retinal ischemia: clinicofunctional and histological studies]

A new procedure is proposed for the experimental simulation of retinal ischemia, which develops the latter of the preset area and depth. The clinical and morphofunctional characteristics of retinal ischemia are given. Simulation of retinal ischemia via the photocoagulation effect of argon laser on the rabbit great retinal vessels demonstrated an inflammatory reaction, followed by occlusion and the development of ischemia in the blood-supplied retinal layers, vascular endothelial damage at the site of laser coagulation. There was a persistent (as long as 3 weeks) impairment in retinal electrogenesis with two-phase changes in the amplitude of a- and b-waves on an electroretinogram and in the hypoxia index b/a. Histological studies showed that evolving ischemia afflicted the internal retinal layers, primarily involving the layer ofganglionic cells and nerve fibers, which was also attended by a significant reduction in the level of venous outflow and, thus, it was of mixed (arteriovenous) nature.