ERG changes in albino and pigmented mice after optic nerve transection
Luis Alarcón-Martínez1, Marcelino Avilés-Trigueros, Caridad Galindo-Romero
1Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
Abstract:
Optic nerve transection (ONT) triggers retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. By using this paradigm, we have analyzed for the first time in adult albino and pigmented mice, the effects of ONT in the scotopic threshold response (STR) components (negative and positive) of the full-field electroretinogram. Two weeks after ONT, when in pigmented mice approximately 18% of the RGC population survive, the STR-implicit time decreased and the p and nSTR waves diminished approximately to 40% or 55%, in albino or pigmented, respectively, with respect to the values recorded from the non-operated contralateral eyes. These changes were maintained up to 12 weeks post-ONT, demonstrating that the ERG-STR is a useful parameter to monitor RGC functionality in adult mice.
Insights
Optic nerve transection (ONT) causes retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. The electroretinogram
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Vision Science
Background:
- Optic nerve transection (ONT) is a model for studying retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death.
- Understanding RGC survival and function post-injury is crucial for developing treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ONT on the scotopic threshold response (STR) in adult albino and pigmented mice.
- To evaluate the electroretinogram's STR as a biomarker for RGC functionality after optic nerve injury.
Main Methods:
- Adult albino and pigmented mice underwent optic nerve transection (ONT).
- Full-field electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded to analyze scotopic threshold response (STR) components.
- Measurements were taken 2 and 12 weeks post-ONT and compared to non-operated contralateral eyes.
Main Results:
- Two weeks post-ONT, STR implicit time decreased, and pSTR and nSTR waves reduced significantly (40-55%) in both albino and pigmented mice.
- Albino mice showed a greater reduction in nSTR wave amplitude compared to pigmented mice.
- These ERG-STR changes persisted up to 12 weeks after ONT.
Conclusions:
- The electroretinogram's STR is a sensitive indicator of RGC dysfunction and survival following optic nerve injury.
- STR measurements can effectively monitor the functional status of RGCs in adult mice over time.
- This study highlights the utility of ERG-STR in preclinical models of optic nerve damage.
