[Changes in the B wave of cones and rods in diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin in rats].

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the electroretinophysiological effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in the rat. More specifically, both B wave amplitudes and implicit times generated with various intensities of light stimulation were examined in diabetic animals adapted to either scotopic or photopic conditions. Results indicate that B wave amplitudes, but not implicit times, were differentially affected by these two conditions of light adaptation: amplitudes were significantly enhanced but markedly decreased under photopic and scotopic conditions respectively. The possible functional relationships between these specific ERG changes and our previous observations of selective alterations in retinal dopaminergic systems in this animal model of diabetes are discussed.