Retinal lipid peroxidation in experimental uveitis

N. A. Rao, M. A. Fernandez, L. L. Cid, J. L. Romero and A. Sevanian
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.

Lewis rats with retinal S-antigen-induced uveitis were treated with the enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase and catalase or with the hydroxyl radical scavenger dimethyl thiourea for one week. The enucleated eyes of these animals and of normal saline-treated control rats were studied for the presence of lipid peroxidation products in the retina; In addition, choroidal thickness was measured by morphometric analysis to determine the severity of choroidal inflammation. Control animals showed severe chorioretinal inflammation and presence of lipid peroxidation products. Intraocular inflammation was less severe and formation of conjugated dienes and malonaldehyde was significantly inhibited in animals treated with the enzyme antioxidants or dimethyl thiourea. These results suggest that free radicals generated during intraocular inflammation can lead to retinal damage by peroxidation of its lipid cell membranes.