Post-mortem changes in the rabbit retina. A study by light microscopy.

The course of post-mortem changes in rabbit retina has been followed. Short post-mortem periods are accompanied by degenerative changes limited mainly to the visual cells and retinal pigment epithelium. Long post-mortem periods are associated with degenerative changes throughout the retina. Retinal tissue maintained at room temperature was less affected than that kept at body temperature (37degreesC). Post-mortem changes are similar to those observed following periods of pressure induced ischaemia and it is thought that the mechanical effects of pressure on retinal tissue are minimal at the level of resolution afforded by light microscopy.