[Recanalization of venule following experimental retinal branch vein occlusion]

Retinal branch vein occlusion was experimentally produced in monkey (macaca irus) by dye laser photocoagulation. Venous dilatation, retinal edema and punctate hemorrhages were the ophthalmoscopic changes immediately after the occurrence of venous occlusion by photocoagulation. Fluorescein angiography revealed delay of retinal circulation and dye leakage from these venules. Fluorescein angiography on the 2nd day revealed caliber irregularities in the venules distal to the photocoagulated points. Histopathologically, thrombus formation and partial defect of the endothelial cells were observed in the venules in the areas which showed recovery with immature endothelial cells on the 4th day. Young endothelial cells proliferating along the endothelial basement membrane, which remained around the thrombi, and recanalization were observed on the 7th day. These results reveals a process of recanalization in the thrombogenous retinal venous occlusion.