[Morphological and metabolic findings in retinal detachment].

The authors investigated retinal structure and metabolism under normal conditions and after experimental detachment for 7--10 days and for 30--40 days in 80 experimental animals. Labeled protein predecessors were selected as indicators of retinal-cell element viability. Tey included the amino and 35S-methionine acids glycine (marked with 14C or 3H) and 35S-methionine. Metachromatic staining was employed to demonstrate retinal mucopolysaccharides. Histologic sections were analyzed in 15 patients with retinal detachment. Comparing the data obtained at early and developed stages of the process, they discovered the sequence of changes. Comparative analysis of the morphologic changes caused by retinal detachment in rabbits and human patients showed their similarity. The authors propose and substantiate the hypothesis that detachment extension into intact areas is caused by tension in the already detached retinal areas due to shrinkage of the tissues. It was established that labeled protein predecessors can penetrate into all layers of detached retina through the central artery. Hence it is possible to maintain retinal viability during the preoperative period by employing drugs.