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Abtract The pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) and the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) are equipped with a tapetum fibrosum and, with other Cetacea, are the only carnivores known to possess this typically ungulate tapetal type. Tapeta from two regions of a retina, each with a different spectral reflectance (blue and green), were found to have significantly different fibrillar diameters and inter‐fibrillar spacing. When the measured values are applied to a dielectric reflector model, the predicted wavelengths agree with the observed reflectance of the flat‐mounted tapeta. The spatial properties of the fibrils change progressively from the tapetal origin in the fibroblast layer to the pigment epithelium, suggesting that different wavelengths may be reflected systematically with tapetal depth. The very large number of reflecting layers characterizing these tapeta, relative to those of other carnivores, may provide for increased spectral purity and efficiency.

Rhesus monkeys from the closed Cayo Santiago colony of the University of Puerto Rico demonstrate elevated (.22 mm Hg) intraocular pressure in a pattern which significantly favours certain maternal lineage groupings. The colony had remained genetically pure since 1938. Of nine matriarchal lineages (matrilines) examined, two had an incidence of ocular hypertension of more than 40% and six of more than 10%. Information on 18 matrilines is currently located in the colony data base which identifies each individual and its vital statistics. In 1990, six animals were moved to the laboratory in Florida. Among those from a low incidence matriline, we found abnormal optic nerve cups, pallor, reduced function of (mainly peripheral) fields, progression and loss of optic nerve axons in the presence of ocular hypertension. In another individual where the cup/disc ratio for the right eye was 0 7 and left eye 0*4 and outflow facility was normal, we excluded all other causes of optic nerve atrophy, and low tension glaucoma was diagnosed. This female was from a matriline with a low incidence of ocular hypertension. Relatively rapid aging (3-4 years/human year) monkeys with ocular hypertension and familial clustering produce a near ideal glaucoma research model.

Oxidation-reduction reactions which can destroy high current-density metal-stimulating electrodes are avoided when using capacitive electrodes. The results of in vitro and in vivo testing of anodized, high surface area, sintered tantalum electrodes are presented. The corrosion response of the electrodes is excellent; there is no evidence of dissolution of the electrode. A deposit forms on the surface of the electrodes, but has little effect on the voltage response to constant current stimulation. The physiological and histopathological results indicate the capacitive tantalum electrode to be the safest yet tested.

A viscous ocular secretion streams from the eyes of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatuss, removed from the water. The chemical composition and environmentally adaptive implications of this substance continue to perplex curators and scientists. Secretions from three dolphins were examined for deviations from literature values for normal human and terrestrial mammalian tear film components. Osmolality (x̄= 470 mOsm/kg), pH (x̄= 8.44) and glucose (x̄= 26.58 mg/100 ml) were significantly greater than human and terrestrial mammalian tear film values; while lysozyme (x̄= 0.005 mg/ml) and total cholesterol (x̄= 0.17 μg/μ1) were significantly less. Refractive index, sodium ion concentration, and potassium tear to plasma ratios in the dolphin ocular secretion did not deviate significantly from human or terrestrial mammalian tears. Electrophoresis of dolphin tears yielded four major protein bands (probably lactoferrin, serum albumin, teat specific prealbumin, and lysozyme) and high molecular weight glycoproteins similar to human tears. The chemical composition of the T. truncatus ocular secretion suggests that the circumorbital conjunctival gland may be analogous (relative to refractive index, electrolytes, and component protein) to the terrestrial lachrymal gland. At the functional level the T. truncatus ocular secretion may reduce hydrodynamic resistance on the cornea and protect it from bacterial invasion.