Pathological changes in rabbit retina and its relationship with glutamic acid after injuries from high-speed bullets.

OBJECTIVE

To observe the pathological changes in rabbit retinas and the measure of glutamic acid levels in the vitreous body after suffering from high-speed bullet injuries.

METHODS

Rabbits eyeball contusion models were established with high-speed bullets, i.e., the rabbits eyes were shot with a fixed air rifle at a speed of 90m/s (using plastic bullets, weighing 0.20122g, on average). Retinal tissues treated with HE staining and were prepared for light microscopy examination and glutamate levels were tested at different points in time after the injury.

RESULTS

Edema, exudation, hemorrhage, and rupture were evident in rabbit retinas following bullet injuries. Meanwhile, glutamate levels gradually increased as time proceeded.

CONCLUSIONS

Visual impairment is related with retinal damages after high-speed bullet injuries. Increased glutamate concentration serves as a potential factor for aggravating retinal injuries.