Selective destruction of the pigmented epithelium in the ciliary body of the eye.

Perfusion of the internal carotid artery with hypertonic solution selectively destroys most of the pigmented epithelium of the ciliary body of the monkey eye, converts fenestrated endothelium of capillaries to continuous endothelium, and transiently breaks down the blood-aqueous barrier. The nonpigmented epithelium regenerates and the intraocular pressure returns to normal even though the pigmented epithelium is permanently destroyed.