Electron microscopic findings of the human retina irradiated using $sup 60$Co

Journal Article · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1973 · Ganka, v. 68, no. 8, pp. 731-742

OSTI ID:4347192

Kohriyama, S; Mukai, K

Observed under electron microscope were the external layer of the retina and the lamina choriocapillaris of two patients developing perforation from corneal ulcer after receiving treatment with /sup 60/Co irradiation for maxillary cancer. One of the patients (54-year old female) received a total dose of 12,000 R divided into 48 irradiations in a period of 4 months. After institution of irradiation, left paralytic hare eye and acute conjunctivitis developed. Six months after the completion of irradiation, ulcer was formed in the cornea, leading to corneal perforation. Ophthalmectomy was performed 11 months later. The other patient (72-year old male) received a total dose of 6,000 R in 24 divided irradiations in a period of one month. Since in 4 months after the completion of irradiation descemetocele was formed, with corneal perforation impending, ophthalmectomy was performed 6 months later. Electron microscopy revealed that the number of external nodes of the visual cell decreased due to degeneration or disappearance and the internal nodes were remarkably close to the pigmentary epithelial cells. The arrangement of mitochondria in the internal nodes was slightly irregular. Spindle-shaped large internal nodes were frequently observed and cells suggestive of phagocytes were present in the external node layer. A very large number of laminate inclusion bodies, fat globules, and dense bodies were observed in the pigmentary epithelial cells. The development of basal infolding present in ihe base was poor in part. Brunch membrane showed linear, globular, and other irregular inclusions and vacuolization in the internal and external collagen fiber layers. No change was observed in the endothelial cells of the lamina choriocapillaris. Thus, it was shown that irradiation of radiation gave large changes to the visual cells in the retina, particularly the external nodes, but did not exert any effect on other regions. (JA)

• Research Organization: Hiroshima Univ.
• NSA Number: NSA-29-021164
• OSTI ID: 4347192
• Journal Information: Ganka, v. 68, no. 8, pp. 731-742, Journal Name: Ganka, v. 68, no. 8, pp. 731-742; ISSN GNKAB
• Country of Publication: Japan
• Language: Japanese

Related Subjects

*RADIOTHERAPY-- SIDE EFFECTS
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N48510* --Life Sciences--Radiation Effects on Animals--Man
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