Electron microscopic study of uveal circulatory disturbance in experimental diabetic rats: Intraluminal changes of uveal vessels

Intraluminal changes of uveal vessels in streptozotocin-diabetic rats, maintained for 1-12 months, were studied electron microscopically. In diabetic rats maintained for 10-12 months, microthrombus formation was observed in the various sized choroidal, ciliary and iridial vessels. The microthrombi were mainly composed of fibrin strands and platelets and there was no definite evidence of detachment or loss of endothelial cells. This microthrombus formation may play an important role in the development of diabetic uveal circulatory disturbance.