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Whole-eye electrical stimulation therapy preserves visual function and structure in P23H-1 rats
Adam M Hanif1, Moon K Kim1, Joel G Thomas2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA.
Experimental Eye Research
|June 22, 2016
Summary
Whole-eye electrical stimulation (WES) improved visual function and preserved retinal ganglion cells in a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa. This neuroprotective therapy shows promise for treating retinal degeneration by enhancing inner retinal function.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Retinal degeneration, such as retinitis pigmentosa, leads to progressive vision loss.
- Low-level electrical stimulation has shown neuroprotective effects in retinal degeneration models.
- Whole-eye electrical stimulation (WES) is an emerging approach to deliver electrical therapy to the entire eye.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of WES in a P23H-1 rhodopsin mutation rat model of retinitis pigmentosa.
- To assess the impact of WES on retinal and visual functions over time.
- To examine the molecular changes in the retina following WES treatment.
Main Methods:
- Transgenic rats with P23H-1 mutation were subjected to twice-weekly WES (4 microA at 5 Hz) or sham stimulation from 4 to 24 weeks of age.
- Visual function was assessed using optokinetic tracking, and retinal function evaluated by electroretinography (ERG).
- Histological analysis and real-time PCR for growth factors, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers were performed.
Main Results:
- WES-treated rats showed significantly higher spatial frequency thresholds, indicating improved visual acuity.
- ERG oscillatory potentials (OPs) demonstrated improved inner retinal function at 8 and 12 weeks post-WES.
- WES treatment led to a greater number of retinal ganglion cell nuclei and increased expression of BDNF, FGF2, and GS post-stimulation.
Conclusions:
- WES demonstrates significant benefits for visual function and retinal cell preservation in a rodent model of retinitis pigmentosa.
- The findings suggest that WES is a promising neuroprotective therapy for retinal degeneration.
- Post-receptoral neurons, particularly retinal ganglion cells, appear responsive to WES therapy.
