Glycogen concentration changes in retina, vitreous body and other eye tissues caused by disturbances of blood circulation

Abstract

The glycogen content in the individual eye tissues is strongly correlated to blood supply. Our investigations on the retina of bovines, which have not been fully evaluated, show that the time interval between interruption of blood supply and preparation of the retina is of special importance. Pressure ischemia affects a decrease in glycogen content in the retina and vitreous of rabbits, which is, however, less distinct in the vitreous. Decrease of glycogen with ischemia also takes place in the cornea and, to a lesser degree, in iris and choroid. In contrast, there is no decrease in the glycogen content of the lens. Changes in glycogen content of the rabbit retina after ligation of the A. carotis communis is less distinct than with pressure ischemia. In the vitreous, changes in glycogen content could not be observed. Values measured in both tissues of the ligated eye decrease with additional pressure ischemia.