Purpose: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the early changes of the sensory retina induced by hypercholesterolemia in an experimental model.
Methods: New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups: CG (Control Group) was fed a normal diet for 6 weeks. G1 was initially fed a 1% cholesterol diet for two weeks and from the 14th day on a 0.5% cholesterol diet until the 42nd day. The eyes underwent an immunohistochemical analysis with monoclonal antibodies anti-calretinin and anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).
Results: G1 cells and cell elements presented significant immunoreactivity to anti-calretinin. No immunoreactivity to anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein was observed in both groups.
Conclusion: This study has shown that a hypercholesterolemic diet may induce early changes in the sensory retina in rabbits. The anti-calretinin monoclonal antibody was able to reveal calcium accumulation inside the nerve cells.