[Antioxidative function of the melanoprotein granules of the rabbit pigment epithelium of the eye].

The intensity of peroxide oxidation of lipids in the pigmented epithelium of the eye, under hyperoxic conditions, is approximately 6 times lower in pigmented rabbits as compared to albino ones. In pigmented animals, the pigmented epithelium of the eye exerts evident protective effect during the action of oxygen on the retina. It is suggested that the observed inhibition of peroxide oxidation of lipids in the pigmented epithelium of pigmented animals is due to anti-oxidative effect of melanoprotein granules.