[Changes in the retinal structural elements in the early and late periods after neutron exposure]

Local fractionated exposure of a rabbit eye to fast neutrons of 3 Gy (1.5 x 2) and 7.5 Gy (1.5 x 5) induces early reactions of all structural elements of retina, among which dose-dependent degradation of photoreceptor membrane discs and damages to pigmentoepitheliocytes are of prime importance. Further pathomorphogenesis is connected with the surpassing degeneration of a radial glia with respect to destruction of interneuronal synapses and a minor part of neurons. The postirradiation (one and six months after 7.5 Gy irradiation) changes in the blood-retinal barrier are responsible for the disturbances in the glioneuronal complex.