PURPOSE:To investigale the influence of orally administered aldose reduetace inhibitor(ARI) and myo-inositol (MI)for contents of gluecose,sorbitol and myo-inositol in experimental diabetic retinal tissue in rat. METHODS :The STZ-induced diabetic rats were administered ARI or MI by oral. The glucose sorbitol and myo-inositol in retinal tissues were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography after experimental period of 6 montbs. RESULTS:It was found that the contents of glucose and sorhitol were increased and myo inosltol was decreased in diabetic group. In diabetes with ARI group.the content of sorbitol was increased although the glucose was in high level. In diabetes wilb MI group,the sorbitol accumulaled and coment of myo-inositol was close to the normal control group. CONCLUSIONS:The ARI can effectively obstruct sorbitol accumulation in retina. MI increase myo-inositol level but fail to reduce sorbitol contenl of retina. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1997,13: 75-77 )