J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  1987 Jun;28(3):575-581.

Ultra-Structural Changes in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium Following a Long Term Topical Application of Beta-Blocker

• Lee KY
• Lee KW
• Hahn DK

Abstract

Ultra-structural changes in the retinal pigment epithelium in both pigmented and albino rabbits following a long term topical application of beta-adrenergic blocker were observed. One drop of 1% Befunolol hydrochloride solution was instilled into the conjunctival cul-de-sac twice daily in one eye of the animals. In the retinal pigment epithelium, mitochondria became swollen and numerous vaculoes were formed in the cytoplasm. The widening of the basal infolding were noted in both pigmented and albino rabbits. These changes were more remarkable in 7 months than 3 months. Furthermore, it was much more remarkable in the pigmented rabbits. Some degenerative changes were noted in the inner segment of photo-receptors of albino rabbits in 7 months. These swollen mitochondria and vacuole formations were also observed in the non-pigmented epithelium of the ciliary body.

MeSH Terms

Animals
Ciliary Body
Cytoplasm
Epithelium
Mitochondria
Rabbits
Retinal Pigment Epithelium*
Retinaldehyde*
Vacuoles
Retinaldehyde