Hyper-response and delay in the electroretinogram in acute ischemia.

Acute ischemia was induced in 11 adult albino rabbits by clamping the retrobulbar blood vessels and in 5 others by raising the intraocular pressure. Total ischemia was achieved by raising the pressure in the hydraulic remote control system until total collapse of the retinal circulation was observed by indirect ophthalmoscopy and the response on the electroretinogram (ERG) disappeared. The level of ischemia was increased by 15% increments from 25% to 100%, and ERGs were recorded with a constant intensity of stimulation. The amplitude increased up to a peak at 55% ischemia, then decreased to extinction at 100% ischemia. The time of response increased to a maximum at 100% ischemia. The tentative conclusion is drawn that it is important to appreciate that ischemia, and not just degeneration, can cause a delay of the ERG response in humans.