Methyl alcohol retinotoxicity in rats: a biochemical and ultrastructural study

ABSTRACT

The effects of methyl alcohol poisoning on blood gases and serum electrolytes, in addition to its effect on the ultrastructure of the retina were estimated in male albino rats. A significant increase in potassium level and pCO2 was accompanied by depletion in pO2. Sodium and chloride levels were unchanged. A calculated increase in anion gap was due mainly to the increase of potassium level. Methyl alcohol also affected edema of all layers of the retina, fragmentation and ultrastructural changes of the photoreceptor outer segments, agglomeration of chromatin, dissolution of Nissl granules, swelling and degeneration of mitochondria. These necrotic changes were attributable mainly to the hypoxic state caused by the toxin and possibly aggravated by the resultant acidosis