Tissue response to subtotal retinectomy in a rabbit model.

We surgically removed lenses and as much retina as accessible in one eye of six pigmented rabbits which were followed for up to four months postsurgically. Clinically, pre-RPE membranes were noted to form within the first weeks after surgery, and eyes remained hypotensive in the absence of notable inflammation. Morphologic studies demonstrated a variable response of RPE, ranging from atrophy to hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Pre-RPE membranes appeared to arise from both the RPE as well as from tags of peripheral retina and were of two morphologic types: spindle cell-collagenous membranes, and a highly cellular glial membrane. Bone formation within collagenous membranes was seen in four of six eyes studied.