Tapetal Area Research Articles

Retinal response to light exposure in BEST1-mutant dogs evaluated with ultra-high resolution OCT

Mutations in BEST1 cause an autosomal recessive disease in dogs where the earliest changes localize to the photoreceptor-RPE interface and show a retina-wide micro-detachment that is modulated by light exposure. The purpose of this study was to define the spatial and temporal details of the outer retina and its response to light with ultra-high resolution OCT across a range of ages and with different BEST1 mutations. Three retinal regions were selected in each eye: near the fovea-like area, near the optic nerve, both in the tapetal area, and inferior to the optic nerve in the non-tapetal area. The OS+ slab thickness was defined between the peak near the junction of inner and outer segments (IS/OS) and the transition between basal RPE, Bruch membrane, choriocapillaris and proximal tapetum (RPE/T). In wildtype (WT) dogs, two tapetal regions showed additional hyperscattering OCT peaks within the OS+ slab likely representing cone and rod outer segment tips (COST and ROST). The inferior non-tapetal region of WT dogs had only one of these peaks, likely ROST. In dogs with BEST1 mutations, all three locations showed a single peak, likely suggesting optical silence of COST. Light-dependent expansion of the micro-detachment by about 10 um was detectable in both tapetal and non-tapetal retina across all ages and BEST1 mutations.

OPHTHALMOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF SHEEP FROM THE ALENTEJO REGION - PORTUGAL

Considering the importance of the flock of Alentejo sheep, the goal of this study was to determine the average values of eye examinations, evaluate the ophthalmoscopic features and fluorescein staining for Merino sheep from Alentejo region, in Portugal. The 48 eyes of 24 healthy, female sheep belonging to the sheep flock at the University of Évora were evaluated. The average values obtained for Schirmer tear test (STT) were 19.0 ± 5.22 mm/min, with a reduction of tear production varying according to the age of the animal, for tear pH were 7.7 ± 0.48 and for intraocular pressure (IOP) was 12.7 ± 3.03 mmHg. Fundus aspects were observed in the tapetal area with shades of blue, green and yellow. The optic disc was predominantly in the transition area between tapetal and non-tapetal regions of elliptical shape, with holoangiotic vascular pattern. None of the animals showed fluorescein staining on the ocular surface. In the context of the investigation, these data may be useful to improve the clinical approach to the species and reference standards of the exam’s values

Clinical studies on progressive retinal atrophy in 31 dogs.

During a 2-year period, 31 cases of a hereditary retinal degeneration in dogs bred in India were found mainly suspected for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) with typical history of initial nyctalopia followed by hemeralopia. Out of 31 PRA suspected dogs, 8 dogs (26%) were from the age group of 1-5 years, 15 (48%) 6-10 years and the rest (26%) 11-15 years. The most predominant breed was Spitz (18 dogs, 58%). Detailed ophthalmologic examinations included Schirmer's tear test, fluorescein stain, applanation tonometry, slit lamp biomicroscopy and ocular ultrasound in appropriate cases. Ophthalmoscopic and fundoscopic changes included hyperreflectivity and discoloration of the tapetal area, marked attenuation of retinal vessels, depigmentation in non-tapetal area and optic disc atrophy with scalloped borders. Electroretinograms (ERG) recorded in 13 PRA-affected cases revealed non-recordable extinguished (flatline) ERG responses. A reduction mainly of a- and b-wave amplitudes in the ERG indicated a generalized photoreceptor disease.

Spatial relationships among the cellular tapetum, visual streak and rod density in dogs.

The dog visual system is well suited to dim light conditions due to rod-dominated retina and the reflective tapetum. The topographical distributions of rods and thickness of the tapetum of the dog were quantified in retinal whole mounts stained with thionine, and spatial relationships among the tapetum, rod density and visual streak of high ganglion cell density were elucidated. The relationship between the retina and tapetum was analyzed in parasagittal sections stained with thionine or hematoxylin-eosin. The tapetum was thick in its center, and the thickest part consisted of 9 to 12 tapetal cell layers. Rod density ranged from 200,000 to 540,000/mm2. Maximum rod density was found in the area dorsal to the visual streak, and the density in that area was significantly higher than the rod density in the visual streak and accorded spatially with the thickest part of the tapetum. The horizontal visual streak was found over the horizontal line through the optic disc in the temporal half and extended slightly into the nasal half. The central area of the highest density of ganglion cells was approximately located midway between the nasal and temporal ends of the visual streak. The visual streak was located within the tapetal area, but ventrally to the thick part of the tapetum.

Clinical and Electroretinographic Findings of Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Miniature Schnauzer Dogs of South Korea

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the study was to describe the clinical and electroretinographic features of clinical cases of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in miniature schnauzer (MS) of South Korea. Sixty-six MS (14 normal and 52 affected) were included. All animals underwent routine ocular examinations. Electroretinogram (ERG) was recorded in the 14 normal and 15 affected dogs. For normal dogs, the mean age ± SD was 4.1 ± 2.4 years (1 to 9 years), and there were no ocular abnormalities on the basis of ocular examinations and ERG results. For the PRA-affected dogs, it was shown that the mean age ± SD was 4.3 ± 1.1 years (2 to 7 years), and 44 dogs (84.6%) were 3 to 5 years old. Most of the PRA-affected dogs had abnormal menace responses (98.1%) and pupillary light reflexes (PLRs, 88.5%); some dogs showed normal menace response (1.9%) and PLRs (11.5%). Ophthalmoscopic abnormalities in the affected group included one or more of the following changes: hyperreflectivity and discoloration of the tapetal area, attenuation of retinal vessels, depigmentation in non-tapetal area and optic disc atrophy. ERG in the affected dogs showed non-recordable responses in all cases tested with clinical signs of PRA. The present study showed that PRA in MS was mainly observed between the age of 3 to 5 years. ERG revealed abnormal rod and cone responses in affected dogs at the ages studied.

Normal color variations of the canine ocular fundus, a retrospective study in Swedish dogs

BackgroundA retrospective study was made to demonstrate normal variations of the color and size of the tapetal area and color of the nontapetal area in the ocular fundus in dogs, correlating them to breed, age and coat color.MethodsThe study was based on protocols of five hundred and thirty-nine adult dogs describing eye examinations made during the years 1997-2001. The dogs were examined using an indirect ophthalmoscope in order to find heritable eye diseases. The following characteristics were recorded: breed; age; coat color; color and size of the tapetal area and color of the nontapetal area. Normal color variations in the fundus were studied and categorized with regard to breed, age and coat color. Chi-square analysis was used comparing distributions between factors. Differences between mean values were analysed with Student's t-test or one-way-ANOVA. A logistic regression analysis was performed on the color of the tapetal area with the color of the coat and breed.ResultsTwenty breeds were represented. The mean age was 42.8 months. The most common colors of the tapetal area were yellow-green and orange, and the most common colors of the nontapetal area were dark brown and black. The analysis revealed that coat-color and breed concomitantly did not significantly influence tapetal color. Brown coated dogs often had a striped red and brown nontapetal area. The color of the tapetal area influenced the color of the nontapetal area. Smaller-sized breeds (such as Papillon) had a smaller tapetal area. A tapetal area was completely absent in 1.9%. The age did not influence the color of the tapetal area.ConclusionsColor of the tapetal area was influenced by both coat color and breed, but neither of these was statistically more influential than the other. The color of the tapetal area influenced the color of the nontapetal area. The size of the tapetal area correlated to breed and to body size.

CASE REPORT: Bilateral vision loss in a captive cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

AbstractThe following case report describes a 1‐year‐old female cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) with bilateral blindness and unresponsive pupils. For comparison, a second healthy 2.5‐year‐old male cheetah without visual deficits was also examined. Clinical examination of both animals included biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, tonometry, and electroretinography. The young female cheetah showed no menace response, no direct or indirect pupillary light reflex, and no dazzle reflex in either eye. Fundus lesions, as detected by indirect ophthalmoscopy, are described for the female animal. In both eyes, the fundus color was green/turquoise/yellow with multiple hyperpigmented linear lesions in the tapetal area around the optic nerve. The optic nerve head was dark gray and about half the normal size suggesting bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia and retinal dysplasia or differentially optic nerve atrophy and chorioretinal scarring. The ERG had low amplitudes in the right eye but appeared normal in the left eye compared with the male cheetah. Blood levels did not suggest current taurine deficiency. This is addressed to some degree in the discussion. Bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia or optic nerve atrophy is a rare anomaly in cats and has not yet been described in a cheetah.

Relationship between Distribution of Tapetum Fibrosum and Retinal Pigment Epithelium in the Sheep Eye

The tapetum lucidum is a light-reflective device improving visual sensitivity in mesopic vision. There have been few studies on tapetal distribution and its relationship with degree of pigmentation in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In the present study, sheep's eyes were used for macroscopical observation of the tapetum, and then histological sections of the posterior eyecups were made to analyze the distribution of tapetal thickness and degree of pigmentation in the RPE. Macroscopically, with available light, the tapetum was located in the dorsal eye fundus to the optic disc and showed an L-shape with the horizontally elongated nasal part and the dorsally expanded temporal part. In photographs with a flash, the tapetal area expanded and showed a more triangular shape. The tapetum histologically consisted of layers of dense collagen fibers and was thicker in the temporal part than in the nasal part. The maximum tapetal thickness was approximately 70 microm. The histological tapetal area was similar to the tapetal shape with a flash light. The pigmentation of the RPE was divided into three types, nonpigmented, transitional, and pigmented areas. The nonpigmented area was similar to the tapetal shape with available light. It is suggested that approximately 55% of the histological tapetal area is covered with the nonpigmented area and is functional under a natural light condition. The functional tapetal area was similar to the L-shaped high-density area of retinal ganglion cells.

Short-term study of retinal pigment epithelium sheet transplants onto Bruch's membrane

The purpose of this study is to investigate the survival and behaviour of retinal pigment epithelium sheets transplanted onto hydraulically debrided Bruch's membrane. Uncultured retinal pigment epithelium sheets obtained from male cats and sandwiched between two gelatin sheets were transplanted onto the tapetal area of female cats after native retinal pigment epithelium was debrided. For controls, the gelatin carrier was transplanted after debridement. Each transplant or control specimen was analyzed histologically and immunohistochemically. Transplanted male retinal pigment epithelial cells were identified by in situ labelling of the cat Y chromosome. Over half of the transplants appeared as retinal pigment epithelium multilayers in the subretinal space. Retinal pigment epithelium pigment dispersion into the subretinal space was seen in most of the transplants, and retinal pigment epithelium pigment infiltration into the neural retina was seen in all 7-day survival transplants. A few condensed darkly stained retinal pigment epithelium nuclei and Terminal Transferase dUTP Nick End Labelling-positive retinal pigment epithelium cells were observed in all transplants. Cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein was present up to day-7 in most transplanted RPE cells. In both transplant and control specimens, the antibody against the Ki-67 nuclear antigen labelled a few retinal pigment epithelium cells at day-3. Terminal Transferase dUTP Nick End Labelling-positive outer nuclear layer nuclei were most frequently observed at day-1 but were much less frequent at day-3 in both transplants and controls. The survival and effectiveness of retinal pigment epithelium sheet transplants appeared similar to the retinal pigment epithelium microaggregates transplants conducted previously in this model.

Transpupillary diode laser retinopexy in dogs: ophthalmoscopic, fluorescein angiographic and histopathologic study.

To evaluate the ophthalmoscopic, fluorescein angiographic and light microscopic effects of diode laser retinopexy application in the tapetal and nontapetal fundus in the dog, and to ascertain appropriate laser power settings for production of photocoagulative lesions in these two regions. Three adult female Beagle dogs. Laser burns were applied to selected areas in the fundus with an indirect headset delivery system using settings varying from 100 to 200 milliWatts (mW) and from 100 to 600 milliSeconds (mS) with total delivered energy ranging between 15 and 100 milliJoules (mJ). The dogs were then monitored by ophthalmoscopic examination and fluorescein angiography at regular intervals for 7-28 days. Histopathologic studies were performed at 7, 14 and 28 days after laser application. The diode laser produced ophthalmoscopically visible lesions in the nontapetal fundus with all laser settings used, and the appearance of these lesions corresponded to the energy levels used, and degree of pigment in the lased region. Gray-white colored lesions with minimal subsensory retinal edema were seen with settings as low as 100 mWatts/150 mSeconds. In the tapetal fundus, laser burns were more difficult to produce, less repeatable, and required higher energy levels. Laser burns appeared as bronze, dark green or black discolorations of the tapetum with varying degrees of subsensory retinal edema. Lesions were more reproducible and were achieved with lower settings in the tapetal area of the tapetal/nontapetal junction. Ophthalmoscopically, depigmentation and repigmentation of the RPE (nontapetal fundus) and degenerative changes in the overlying retina (tapetal fundus) developed in the laser burns over the 28-day study period. Fluorescein angiographic studies showed disruption of the blood-retinal barrier at the level of the RPE and fluorescein leakage into the subsensory retinal space was seen in most lesions at 24 h, was minimal at 3 days, and had resolved by 7 days. Histologically, grayish-white lesions in the nontapetal fundus, and bronze to small black lesions in the tapetal fundus were typically characterized by outer retinal necrosis and RPE migration. Gliosis was considered minimal, was confined to the retina, and no inflammatory cells were seen. Peripheral intense white lesions (nontapetum) and lesions with a black center (tapetal fundus) were characterized by more extensive panretinal and choroidal necrosis. Most of the nontapetal lesions and a few in the tapetal fundus showed the formation of a central retinal detachment. The diode laser effectively produces lesions suitable for retinopexy in both the nontapetal, pigmented fundus and the tapetal fundus, although variably so in the latter region. Initial laser settings of 100-150 mW/200 mS for the pigmented fundus, and 150 mW/200-300 mS for the peripheral tapetal fundus are recommended, and the clinician should gradually increase time interval settings to achieve a grayish-white lesion in the nontapetum, and a bronze to slightly black lesion in the tapetal fundus. If possible, retinopexy should be applied to the peripheral tapetal area or tapetal/nontapetal junction.

Fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium, Bruch's membrane and choriocapillaris in the horse.

The fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), Bruch's membrane and choriocapillaris was investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy in both the tapetal and non-tapetal fundus of the horse eye. In all locations, the RPE consisted of a single layer of low cuboidal cells. The epithelial cells were joined laterally by apically located tight junctions. These cells displayed numerous basal infoldings and abundant thin apical processes which enclosed the rod outer segments. The epithelial cell nuclei were large and located basally. Within the epithelial cells, smooth endoplasmic reticulum was very abundant, while rough endoplasmic reticulum was scarce, polysomes and mitochondria, which often display a ring-shaped structure, were abundant. Melanosomes were abundant in the non-tapetal area but absent in the tapetal area. Bruch's membrane was pentalaminate throughout the retina. The endothelium of the choriocapillaris was heavily fenestrated.

Slowly progressive changes of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium in Briard dogs with hereditary retinal dystrophy. A morphological study.

Seven eyes from 2 generations of Briard dogs (5 weeks--7 years old) with congenital night blindness and (in the second generation) impairment of day vision to varying degrees, were examined by light and electron microscopy. Specimens from 4 locations were studied: the central area, the midperiphery of the tapetal area, the upper periphery and the lower periphery. Disorientation of rod outer segment disc membranes was seen in the 5-week-old dog. Large electron-lucent inclusions were found in the RPE at 3.5 months of age. These inclusions occurred most frequently in the central and midperipheral-tapetal areas and seemed to increase in numbers and spread towards the periphery with increasing age. The content of these inclusions is not elucidated. Rod photoreceptor degeneration was apparent from 7 months of age and was most prominent in the peripheral areas. The cones were better preserved. The 7-year-old dog showed reduction of photoreceptors in the central and midperipheral-tapetal areas and almost complete photoreceptor degeneration in the periphery. This dog also showed severe changes of the inner retina in the peripheral fundus. It appears that these Briard dogs suffer from a very slowly progressive retinal degeneration, in which the photoreceptor degenerative changes do not correlate anatomically to the changes in the RPE cells. The disease seems to be different from the retinopathy described in the English Briards. It is not clear yet whether the lipid type of retinopathy found in American Briards is identical to the present disease.

Ultrastructural changes of the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium in briard dogs with hereditary congenital night blindness and partial day blindness

The offspring of two Briard dogs (brother and sister) with congenital, clinically stationary night blindness showed an aggravation of the disease with severe impairment of day vision in addition to night blindness. This ultrastructural study was performed on four such second generation puppies at the age of 4 months. The neuroretina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from four locations were studied: the central area (immediately temporal to the optic disc); the centre of the tapetal area; the upper periphery (border of tapetal area); and the lower periphery (non-tapetal area). The RPE showed large inclusions, seemingly lipid in nature, mainly in the central and tapetal areas of the retina. Small, membrane bound, electrondense inclusions were scattered in the RPE cytoplasm in all areas examined. The small inclusions were found to be less numerous in normal than in affected dogs and may be lysosomal in nature. Forty to fifty percent of the rod outer segments in the tapetal area showed disorientation of the disc membranes, whereas the corresponding figures were 20–40% in the central and lower peripheral areas and 6–25% in the upper peripheral area. No structural abnormalities were found in the rod inner segments or synaptic bodies. The cones were better preserved. The inner retina appeared normal. These electron microscopic findings seem to correspond to a previously published electrophysiologic evaluation, indicating a defective and delayed rod function (virtually no scotopic a- and b-waves), a better preserved cone function (photopic flicker responses present, although reduced) and impaired RPE activity (a prominent, slow negative potential of long latency at the site of the c-wave). It appears that these Briard dogs, showing structural changes of the rod outer segments in addition to pigment epithelial inclusions, mainly located in the posterior pole, comprise a pigment epitheliopathy and retinopathy morphologically different from other hereditary canine retinopathies that have been described earlier in the literature and different from animal models of congenital night blindness.

Tapetal changes in beadle dogs: I. Ocular changes after oral administration of a beta-adrenergic blocking agent—SCH 19927

SCH 19927 (( R,R)-(−)-2-Hydroxy-5-[1-hydroxy-2-[(1-methyl-3-phenylpropyl)amino]ethyl]benzamide hydrochloride) is a β-adrenergic blocking agent which has vasodilating properties. In a subchronic oral toxicity study in beagle dogs, SCH 19927 was given by gavage at doses of 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg. Lesions were observed at weeks 13 and 19 in the tapetum lucidum, a light reflecting structure of the eye. The lesions consisted of focal to multifocal areas of discoloration of the tapetal portion of the ocular fundus, pigmentation in the tapetal area, and, in one dog, subretinal edema resulting in a focal retinal detachment. Light and electron microscopic examination of the ocular lesions demonstrated tapetal cell degeneration and necrosis with macrophages, lymphocytes, and occasional plasma cells in the tapetum and adjacent choroid. Local cellular infiltrates within the retina internal to the pigmented epithelium were observed in one dog (60 mg/kg) which was demonstrated to have focal retinal edema during the study. In a repeat study the lesion again occurred in tapetal beagle dogs but not in atapetal beagle dogs (90 mg/kg) or cynomolgous monkeys (360 mg/kg). The lesion had not occurred in a previous subchronic study in albino rats. These results demonstrated that the tapetum lucidum was a target organ of toxicity for SCH 19927 and indicated that the finding was without observable toxicological significance in animals, including man, whose eyes do not have this structure.

Retinal dysplasia of English springer spaniel dogs: light microscopy of the postnatal lesions.

The histologic features of retinal dysplasia were studied in 26 English springer spaniel dogs of one day to four years of age. Dysplastic lesions in neonatal pups occurred predominantly in the peripapillary tapetal area of sensory retina. They consisted of complex linear folds and rosettes which were composed of hyperplastic neuroblasts. Dysplasia usually was not associated with incomplete differentiation of the outer neuroblastic layer. The outer limiting membrane was absent locally and numerous patent subretinal capillaries existed in the region of folds. The dysplastic features may be related to aberrant development of Muller cells and of retinal capillaries. In adolescent dogs, dysplastic lesions were less complex and usually were not accompanied by aberrant capillaries. Focal or complete retinal separation was present in some adolescent dogs. In adult dogs, features of retinal atrophy were found within dysplastic areas. No significant histologic lesions were found in the extraocular tissues of 12 affected dogs which were surveyed extensively.

Fine structure of the choriocapillaris, Bruch's membrane and retinal epithelium in the sheep.

The fine structure of the choriocapillaris, Bruch's membrane and retinal epithelium was investigated by light and electron microscopy in both the tapetal and non-tapetal fundus of the domestic sheep. The choriocapillaris are heavily fenestrated on the side facing the retina. Overlying the tapetum, the choriocapillaris also displays fenestrae on the choroidal border. Bruch's membrane is pentalaminate throughout the retina and slightly thicker over the tapetal region. In all locations the retinal epithelium consists of a single layer of cells, which vary in height depending upon their location. The epithelial cells are joined laterally by apically located tight junctions and throughout the retina display numerous basal infoldings and apical processes which enclose rod outer segments. The epithelial cell nucleus is large and vesicular. All retinal epithelial cells are rich in smooth endoplasmic reticulum and phagosomes. Although not as abundant, mitochondria, Golgi zones, profiles of rough endoplasmic reticulum and polysomes are also noted in all locations. In non-tapetal areas, melanosomes are numerous whereas over the central tapetum fibrosum they are absent. While lysosomes are present throughout the epithelial layer, over the tapetal area they appear to be more numerous. The absence of melanosomes over a functional tapetum fibrosum is to be expected. The apparent increase in lysosomal numbers in this location may indicate an enhanced shedding of outer segment material over the tapetal region. Although some retinal epithelial cells are modified to accommodate a tapetum lucidum their morphology is basically similar throughout the retina and probably indicates that all regions of the retinal epithelium are capable of the normal functions of this indispensible retinal layer.

Photic retinopathy in the dog

The light of a Keeler binocular indirect ophthalmoscope was focused for one hour through either a colorless or yellow-tinted 35 mm diameter+20 diopter glass condensing lens on the tapetal and nontapetal retina of dogs. The effects of this illumination were studied sequentially by examining eyes clinically and histologically at varying intervals following light exposure. Retinal lesions were produced in 50% of the eyes in which the tapetal fundus was illuminated through the colorless lens, but did not develop in the nontapetal area with either lens or in the tapetal area when the yellow lens was used. The lesions began as circular areas of increased tapetal granularity followed by loss of retinal transparency, pigmentation, and eventually tapetal hyper-reflectivity. Histologically, initial changes included vacuolation and rupture of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, and vesiculation and shortening of the photoreceptor outer segments. As the post-illumination period increased, much of the RPE eventually became atrophic; the photoreceptor cells were absent almost entirely but the inner retinal layers remained intact.

Septic choroiditis with serous retinal detachment in Streptococcus mutans-injected dogs.

This report describes a dog model of multifocal choroiditis with serous retinal detachment after carotid injection of Streptococcus mutans. The fundus lesions occurred mainly in the tapetal area of the retina, and, on histopathologic examination, microabscesses in the choroid and subretinal space were observed.

Fine structure of the retinal epithelium of the spectacled caiman (Caiman sclerops).

The fine structure of the retinal epithelium, Bruch's membrane and choriocapillaries has been studied by electron microscopy in the spectacled caiman (Caiman sclerops). The retinal epithelium throughout most of the retina is morphologically very typical of that described for other vertebrates. This typical appearance involves a single layer of pigmented cuboidal cells with extensive basal (scleral) infoldings and numerous apical (vitreal) processes enclosing photoreceptor outer segments. A semicircular area of the retinal epithelium in the superior fundus is, however, further specialized as a tapetum lucidum. The reflecting material consists of a large array of guanine, diffusely scattered within the epithelial cells. Centrally in the tapetal area, no melanosomes are found, indicating a non-occlusible tapetum. At the edge of the tapetum, however, both guanine crystals and melanosomes are found within the epithelial cells. In most other respects, the morphology of the epithelial layer in the tapetal region is not strikingly different from that in the non-tapetal area. Bruch's membrane everywhere displays the typical pentalaminate structure described for most vertebrates. The choriocapillaris is also typical in that numerous fenestrations are present in the endothelium bordering Bruch's membrane.

Fine structure of the retinal epithelium and tapetum lucidum of the opossum (didelphis virginiana)

The fine structure of the retinal epithelium has been studied by electron microscopy in the opossum (Didelphis virginiana). The retinal epithelium, over most of the retina, is typical of that in other vertebrates and consists of a single layer of heavily pigmented, cuboidal cells. These cells display extensive basal (scleral) infoldings and numerous apical (vitreal) processes which enclose photoreceptor outer segments. A semicircular area of the retinal epithelium in the superior fundus is further specialized as a tapetum lucidum. The reflecting material consists of a large quantity of lipoidal spheres scattered throughout the epithelial cells. Centrally in the tapetal area very few or no melanosomes are found, indicating a non-occlusible tapetum. Peripherally in be tapetum, the epithelial cells contain both reflecting material and melanosomes. As in the non-tapetal area, the epithelial cells of the tapetum display large amounts of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and numerous mitochondria. Bruch's membrane everywhere displays the usual pentalaminate structure described for most vertebrates. The choriocapillaris is also typical, in that numerous fenestrations are present in the endothelium bordering Bruch's membrane.