[Effects of oxygenated free radicals on the electrophysiological activity of the isolated retina of the rat].

Particularly rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, the retina constitutes an excellent model for testing the functional consequences of membrane lipoperoxidation. The effects could be quantified by measuring the amplitude of the electroretinogram which represents the characteristic response of the retina to its physiological stimulus (light photons). The authors report results obtained on isolated rat retina maintained in survival by perfusion. The membrane lipid peroxidation is induced by the non enzymatic catalytic system (Fe2+ + ascorbate). In the presence of such a system, the amplitude of the b-wave of the electroretinogram rapidly decreases and the survival time is notably shortened. These results are discussed with regards to the mechanism generating the electroretinogram and the specific role played by the disk membrane and plasmic membrane of the rod outer segment. Finally, the authors test the radical scavenger properties of a Ginkgo biloba extract. The results indicate that such an extract develops an antiperoxidative effect probably connected with its flavonoid composition. With this extract the survival time of the isolated retina is significantly increased and this result could be related to the retinal cell membrane disorders observed in diabetes.