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[Retinal degeneration in the WBN/Kob rat]
T Saegusa1, M Tsuchitani, I Narama
1Hamamatsu Seigiken Research Laboratory Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan.
Jikken Dobutsu. Experimental Animals
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Diabetic WBN/Kob rats develop spontaneous retinal degeneration, with vision changes appearing before cell loss. This hereditary condition affects both male and female rats, impacting retinal function and structure.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Diabetology
Context:
- The WBN/Kob rat is a newly identified diabetic strain.
- Spontaneous retinal degeneration is a concern in diabetic models.
- Understanding hereditary retinal diseases is crucial.
Purpose:
- To investigate spontaneous retinal degeneration in WBN/Kob rats.
- To correlate electroretinogram (ERG) and histopathological findings.
- To explore the potential hereditary nature of this condition.
Summary:
- Retinal degeneration was observed in WBN/Kob rats starting around 30 weeks of age.
- Early changes included photoreceptor (rods and cones) loss, followed by inner retinal layer involvement.
- Electroretinogram (ERG) abnormalities, specifically reduced a- and b-wave amplitudes, preceded histological changes, becoming non-recordable by 32 weeks.
- Severe retinal atrophy and decreased ganglionic cells were noted by 90 weeks.
- The retinal abnormality is suspected to be hereditary, with further research needed to link it to the diabetic genetic background.
Impact:
- Provides insights into diabetic retinopathy progression in a novel rat model.
- Highlights the utility of ERG as an early diagnostic tool for retinal dysfunction.
- Establishes a foundation for future research into the genetic basis of diabetic-related eye diseases.