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Title: Study of the effects of lead and light on the retina

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5001264

Lipid peroxidation is one of the mechanisms by which lead may produce toxic effects. Since the retina possesses characteristics which may cause it to be susceptible to lipid peroxidation, the effects of lead on the rabbit retina were investigated. Changes were found in several indicators of lipid peroxidation including malonaldehyde levels and extractable fluorescence. Histologic and ultrastructural evaluations showed accumulation of lipofuscin and disruption of retinal architecture. The effect of concurrent constant light was also tested and was found to be a modification of the effects produced by lead, probably mediated through a disruption of normal retinal physiology. A decrease in catalase activity was seen in the retinas of lead-exposed animals. Concurrent constant light treatment added to this inhibition. These findings suggest that lead can produce peroxidation effects in the eye and that the retina may be highly susceptible to peroxidated damage.

Research Organization:
Cincinnati Univ., OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
5001264
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English