The potential usefulness to research of retina obtained by biopsy

Retinal biopsy has been performed on normal rabbits and dogs. It was shown that retinal samples could be obtained by internal and external routes in rabbits, but in dogs inability to achieve adequate vitrectomy precluded useful retinal biopsy by the internal route. A single external biopsy specimen of 3 mm diameter was more than adequate to undertake standard histopathological examination, immunocytochemical experiments and determination of cyclic nucleotide levels. The quality of the micrographs, immunocytochemical labelling of rhodopsin and phosphodiesterase, and cyclic nucleotide analyses were similar to those obtained with retinas from freshly enucleated eyes. The surgical exercise was well tolerated by most eyes and does not preclude serial biopsies being undertaken. It is concluded that retinal biopsy provides material of sufficient quantity and quality to satisfy many laboratory needs in retinal research.