Preservation of retinal function in the RCS rat by laser treatment

The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats have been used as a model for human retinitis pigmentosa. Studies on these animals have shown that the degeneration of the retina is associated with a buildup of debris produced by shed rod outer segment discs. It has been reported that localized laser lesions can increase phagocytosis in these rats. This study examined the effect of laser burns on the function of the retina of the RCS rats. One eye of 19-day-old RCS rats was treated with laser and the other eye used as control. The retinal function was measured by electroretinography at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 40 days after lesioning. The morphology of the retina was examined at 24 and 43 days after laser treatment. The results show that the retinal function in the treated eye was improved at all intervals and that this improvement was significant at 15, 20, and 25 days. Morphologic examination showed a significant reduction in debris accumulation in the area of the laser spot. However, at sites distal to the laser burns, no morphologic difference between the treated and untreated eyes was noted. It is concluded that the progress of retinal dysfunction in the RCS rats can be retarded by laser treatment.