Pathogenesis of Radiation-Induced Retinal Dysplasia

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Abstract

The susceptibility of the maturing retina to damage by exposure to ionizing radiation has been known for a long time. However, details of both the early response to radiation and changes occurring several months after exposure have not been previously described. In the present study retinal dysplasia in dogs, irradiated as neonates, resulted from a sequence which included necrosis, lysis, migration, ectopic mitosis, and tubule formation. Continuing necrosis of cells in the dysplastic neural retina for as long as six months after irradiation ultimately produced atrophic changes.