J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  1979 Mar;20(1):17-23.

Electron Microscopic Observations of the Experimental Retinal Changes After Systemic Administration of the Copper Sulphate

• Lee HY

Abstract

Experimental retinal changes of intraperitoneal copper sulphate administration were studied with the electron microscope. Rabbits were given intraperitoneally copper sulphate in doses of 2.5 mg every day. The results were as follows: 1. Swelling and degeneration of inner segment of the photoreceptor cells were observed after 4 weeks of copper administration. There were no chages in the pigment epithelium. 2. Phagosomes, phagoyslosomes and melanolysosomes were observed in the pigment epithelium and subretinal space after 6 weeks of copper administration. 3. Copper sulphate primarily involved the rod and cone layer and the changes of the pigment epithelium were late and secondary. These findings were similar with those of the retintis pigmentosa.

MeSH Terms

Copper*
Epithelium
Phagosomes
Photoreceptor Cells
Rabbits
Retinaldehyde*
Copper
Retinaldehyde