Role of oxygen in the genesis of retrolental fibroplasia: A preliminary report

Abstract

(1) The development of retinal vessels in the retina of the kitten at birth and for the following 3 weeks is closely comparable to that in the' human foetus during the terminal months of intra-uterine life, and, therefore, to that in the premature baby. (2) In an attempt to assess the role of oxygen in the genesis of retrolental fibroplasia, kittens of a few days old were subjected to a high concentration of oxygen (60-80 per cent.) for several days. (3) It was found that oxygen in these concentrations has a profound influence on the process of retinal vascularization, and that it may, in certain circumstances, completely obliterate the ingrowing retinal complexes. (4) Transfer of the animal to air led to a re-opening of the vessels, but many were permanently obstructed, either through collapse or blood clot, so that the normal architecture was not restored. The reformed network was grossly abnormal, haemorrhages occurred, retinal re-vascularization recommenced from the disc, blood vessels grew into the vitreous, and retinal detachment developed. (5) These phenomena are regarded as significant in the genesis of retrolental fibroplasia in man. We are indebted to the Medical Research Council for a grant towards the expenses entailed in this work.