[A histological and electron microscopic study of the rabbit retina after application of vincristin (author's transl)]

Abstract

Temporary electrophysiological damage to the rabbit eye proportional to dosis and application time was observed after application of Vincristin (Lilly). Cell destruction in all retinal layers was observed upon histological and electron microscopic examination of the animals. The outer segments of the receptor cells showed chiefly diffuse damage, and the pigment epithelial cells showed a high incidence of reorganization. Follow-up examination one year later showed this damage to be partially reparable, especially when very high doses had not been applied. Regeneration of the outer segments was observed. Destruction through pyknosis of the nucleus and cytoplasmal destruction was observed in a small number of receptor cells, bipolar ganglion cells, and ganglion cells. This also explained the absence of lasting functional abnormalities in the ERG and EVP.