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Correlation of Retinal Structure and Visual Function Assessments in Mouse Diabetes Models
Sarah R Sheskey1, David A Antonetti1, René C Rentería2
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|August 19, 2021
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy causes vision loss and retinal changes in mouse models. While blood sugar correlated with these issues, retinal thinning did not consistently predict vision decline.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diabetology
- Retinal research
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss, characterized by vascular and neural retinal changes.
- Early visual function loss is observed in animal models of diabetes, highlighting the need for longitudinal studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the time course of retinal structural and functional changes in three distinct mouse models of diabetes.
- To utilize in vivo measures including optical coherence tomography (OCT) for retinal structure and optomotor/pupillary responses for visual function.
Main Methods:
- Compared OCT, optokinetic response (visual acuity), and pupillary light response in db/db, Ins2Akita, and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice.
- Evaluated these measures at multiple time points: 1.5, 3, 6, and 9 months post-diabetes induction.
Main Results:
- All three diabetic mouse models showed progressive vision loss and retinal thinning, correlating significantly with blood glucose levels.
- Vision loss and retinal thinning were not consistently correlated, with the exception of inner retinal layer thickness at 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Longitudinal data from type 1 and type 2 diabetes mouse models reveal a decline in retinal health linked to metabolic changes.
- Structural retinal changes may be correlative but not solely causative of functional vision decline, as retinal thinning did not fully explain acuity loss.
