Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
09:26
A Magnetic Microbead Occlusion Model to Induce Ocular Hypertension-Dependent Glaucoma in Mice
Published on: March 23, 2016
Structure/function studies and the effects of memantine in monkeys with experimental glaucoma
B'ann T Gabelt1, Carol A Rasmussen, Ozan Y Tektas
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|March 20, 2012
Summary
Scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation (GDx VCC) effectively detects glaucoma-related structural changes in monkeys. Memantine treatment may preserve visual function in experimental glaucoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Animal Models
Background:
- Experimental glaucoma (ExpG) in animal models is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms.
- Scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation (GDx VCC) is a non-invasive imaging technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate GDx VCC in a monkey model of experimental glaucoma.
- To correlate GDx VCC parameters with optic nerve axon counts and visual function.
- To investigate the neuroprotective effects of memantine in experimental glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- Experimental glaucoma was induced in monkeys.
- GDx VCC scans, stereophotographs, and multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEP) were collected.
- Optic nerves were analyzed for axon counts and morphologic changes.
- Memantine was administered to a subset of animals.
Main Results:
- GDx VCC parameters strongly correlated with optic nerve axon counts.
- ExpG eyes showed increased connective tissue septa.
- Memantine treatment appeared to preserve mfVEP amplitudes in ExpG eyes.
Conclusions:
- GDx VCC is a reliable tool for detecting structural changes in experimental glaucoma models.
- Structural changes detected by GDx VCC correlate with axon loss.
- Memantine may offer neuroprotection, preserving visual function in experimental glaucoma.
