[Mechanisms of the damaging effect of fluorescent dyes on the retina].

Mechanisms of the photo-damage of a fluorescent dye (methylene blue) and of the protective action of antioxidants and quenchers of singlet oxygen on the outer retinal rod segments (ORRS) and retinal function in situ and in vivo were studied. The methylene blue-induced formation of singlet oxygen in the ORRS resulted in accumulation of lipid peroxidation products, oligomerization of rhodopsin, and in a decrease in rhodopsin thermal resistance. Modification of the lipid and protein components of the visual cells by singlet oxygen inhibited the electrical activity of both isolated frog retina in situ and rabbit retina in vivo (waves a and b on the electroretinogram).

[Lipid peroxidation and retinal damage in stress].

It is shown that in rats exposed to emotional-pain stress, the electric activity of the retina is inhibited (the magnitude of electroretinogram waves is lowered). At the same time the products of lipid peroxidation accumulate and the content of the natural antioxidant alpha-tocopherol decreases in the retina. Preliminary administration to the animals of synthetic antioxidants (4-methyl-2,6-ditretbutylphenol, OP-6 belonging to the hydroxypyridine series) prevents the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products and protects the electric activity of the retina.