LIPID PEROXIDATION AND ELECTRIC-ACTIVITY OF THE RETINA

The induction of lipid peroxidation (LPO) by the Fe2+ + ascorbate system in the frog retina decreases the magnitude of the electroretinographic waves and eliminates intracellular rod light responses. The addition of antioxidants (α-tocopherol, BHT) exerts a powerful protective effect against electroretinogram suppression and simultaneous inhibition of LPO. Preincubation of the retina in a medium with α-tocopherol allows us to record intracellular rod light responses for 20-25 min, irrespective of the presence of LPO inducers. Under the effect of LPO products the photoreceptor cell membrane potentials remain unchanged despite the elimination of the light response, whereas the values of the dark membrane potential in the inner nuclear layer cells are higher than in the controls. © 1979.