Trans-synaptic retrograde degeneration in the visual system of primates

Abstract

Retrograde trans-synaptic degeneration has been noted at two levels in the visual system of the Macaque monkey. In two animals examined 10 months after surgical lesion of the optic chiasm there was complete loss of ganglion cells in the medial retina and cystic degeneration in the inner nuclear layer. In a single animal studied 48 months after an occipital ablation there was severe loss of ganglion cells in the retinal half corresponding to the lesion. The previous literature regarding trans-synaptic degeneration has been reviewed and discussed.