PURPOSE:In search of the mechanism for photic retinal injury. METHODS:A visible light damage model was established in the primary cultured healthy,adult human RPE cells by using intense fluorescence light (2 400 Lx). RESULTS:Electron microscopy revealed swelling of the mitochondria and obscurity of nuclear membranous structure in the light damaged cells. The decrease or dissolution of organelle,vacuolization of cytoplasm and myelinic degeneration were found in some severely damaged cells. The level of intracellular SOD was decreased to 41% of that of the controls (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:The structure of the RPE was damaged by the light radiation and the level of intracellular SOD was decreased. These suggested the light damage might be associated with the production of free radicals and the lipid perioxide reaction in membranous structure of cell. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1996,12: 174-175 )
PURPOSE: To probe the effect of taurine on lipid peroxidation,surperoxide dismutase(SOD) and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)in retina in vitro. METHODS: The animal eye cups were put into media(divided into four groups:control,model,taurine and beta;-carotene) respectively,and incubated at 37deg;C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2/95% air. After 24h or 48h ,the retinas were taken out from the media and the SOD,GSH-Px ,protein and malondialdehyde(MDA) were examined. RESULTS:Taurine could inhibite lipid peroxidation in retina ,decrease MDA level ,could not protect GSH-Px activity in retina. The effect of taurine on SOD activity in retina was also uncertain. CONCLUSION:Taurine can inhibit lipid peroxidation in retina in vitro,but the mechanism of that has nothing to do with the effect of taurine on SOD activity and GSH-Px activity. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1996,12: 183-185 )