Estudio estructural y ultraestructural de un modelo experimental de retinopatia del prematuro (ROP)

Abstract

La asfixia perinatal (AP) es el problema más serio a nivel mundial en Perinatología. Cada año, cuatro millones de recién nacidos sufren AP. Según numerosas estadísticas clínicas, una tercera parte fallece y otro tercio no padecerá consecuencias, mientras que el tercio restante sufrirá daños neurológicos, entre los cuales se incluyen diferentes grados de retinopatía isquemica (Hill l99l, Younkin l992).

Obstetric complications and perinatal asphyxia including (AP) are causes of retinal lesions such as ischemic proliferative retinopathy, included as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). To date there are no models to study this condition. We present an experimental AP model, with which we were able to study structural and ultrastructural alterations in the retina. We observed signs of neurodegeneration in the development of epiretinal neovascular membranes, newly formed vessels and astroglial reaction. These changes are consistent with the histopathologic descriptions of ROP. In conclusion, the AP model is useful for studying experimentally ROP. The application of hypothermia has a potent protective effect on the changes described. This would allow the development of therapies to prevent or mitigate damage to the retina, providing improved quality of life and reducing medical costs, family and social pathologies of avoidable blindness.