Abstract
The early demonstration by Matthey, 1 that the grafted adult urodele eye is capable of recovering visual function has since been extensively confirmed. 2 With regard to fishes and the anuran amphibians, on the other hand, repeated failure of numerous attempts by various investigators to obtain visual recovery after eye transplantation, even in young tadpole stages, has given rise to the impression that the optic nerve of the grafted eye in these forms lacks the power for functional regeneration. 2
Recently, however, the writer was able to show that good visual recovery can be obtained after optic nerve section in tadpole and adult frogs, 3 , 4 and also after eye transplantation when the transplantation is performed near the onset of metamorphosis. 4 This, plus current findings that the optic nerve of teleosts likewise is quite capable of good functional regeneration after severance 5 , 6 and even, in one case, after eye reimplantation, 6 prompted a further attempt to secure visual recovery after eye transplantation in fishes.
Experimental. The goby was selected because of its small size and comparative hardiness to surgical trauma and low oxygen tension. The specimens were gathered during February from tide pools on North Bimini. A total of 22 animals, ranging in length from 14 to 29 mm were anesthetized in a 1.5% solution of urethane and operated upon out of water under a dissecting microscope. The left eye was first removed through a dorsal incision in the roof of the orbit. Through a similar incision in the right orbit, the right optic nerve and extraocular muscles were severed. The eyeball was then lifted out of the orbit and cut completely free from all blood vessels and other connections.
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