Changes in the synaptoarchitectonics of the retina after light-induced damage and their correction with antioxidants of plant origin.

Changes in contacts between neurons in the internal reticular layer of the retina were studied in white rats 7 and 30 days after exposure to high-intensity light. Osmium preparations on day 7 demonstrated synapse destruction, predominantly of the "light" type of. Contrasting with phosphotungstic acid was used to study juxtamembrane formations of the system of subsynaptic units, i.e., dense projections and postsynaptic thickenings of synapses. The action of light was found to induce destructive changes in synapses, with decreases in the number density of synapses due to functionally active asymmetric contacts. On day 30 after light-induced damage, there was a significant increase in the number density of symmetrical contacts and a decrease in the content of asymmetric mature synapses. Courses of ascovertin and carovertin before and after exposure to light produced different degrees of restriction of synapse destruction and activated repair mechanisms mediated by hypertrophy and neosynaptogenesis. Carovertene had the greater effect.