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Systemic Hypothermia in the Acute Management of Traumatic Optic Neuropathy in a Murine Animal Model
Brian C Tse1, Hua Wang, Galina Dvoriantchikova
1Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, U.S.A.
Purpose:
To examine the effects of systemic hypothermia on retinal ganglion cell survival and visual outcomes after optic nerve trauma in a sonication-inducted traumatic optic neuropathy murine animal model.
Methods:
Twenty mice underwent sonication-inducted traumatic optic neuropathy. Afterward, 10 mice were placed on a warming pad set to 36°C, and 10 mice were placed on a table. General anesthesia was maintained for 3 hours with subcutaneous injections of ketamine. The rectal temperature was measured every 15 minutes. Pattern electroretinograms were obtained at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Mice were sacrificed at 6 weeks, and retinal ganglion cell counts were performed.
Results:
The hypothermia group had an average rectal temperature of 23.1°C; the control group was 33.3°C. At 6 weeks, the hypothermia group had larger a-wave amplitudes (18.19 µV) than the control group (12.75 µV) ( p < 0.05). At 6 weeks, retinal ganglion cell density over the entire retina was significantly higher in the hypothermia group versus the control ( p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
The hypothermia treatment group had significantly higher retinal ganglion cell density and pattern electroretinogram a-wave amplitudes 6 weeks after injury than the control group. Systemic hypothermia may have a neuroprotective effect when initiated immediately after sonication-inducted traumatic optic neuropathy.
Insights
Systemic hypothermia improved retinal ganglion cell survival and visual function after optic nerve injury in mice. This neuroprotective effect was observed 6 weeks post-injury in the hypothermia group.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Research
Background:
- Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) can lead to significant vision loss.
- Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are crucial for vision and are vulnerable to injury.
- Current treatments for TON are limited, necessitating research into neuroprotective strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective potential of systemic hypothermia in a murine model of sonication-induced traumatic optic neuropathy.
- To assess the impact of hypothermia on RGC survival and visual outcomes following optic nerve trauma.
Main Methods:
- Twenty mice with sonication-induced TON were studied.
- Ten mice were subjected to systemic hypothermia (average rectal temperature 23.1°C), while ten served as controls (33.3°C).
- Pattern electroretinograms (PErGs) and RGC counts were assessed at 6 weeks post-injury.
Main Results:
- The hypothermia group exhibited significantly higher RGC density compared to the control group (p < 0.0001).
- Larger a-wave amplitudes on PErGs were observed in the hypothermia group at 6 weeks (18.19 µV vs. 12.75 µV; p < 0.05).
- These findings indicate improved visual function and RGC survival with hypothermia treatment.
Conclusions:
- Systemic hypothermia significantly enhances RGC survival and visual function after traumatic optic neuropathy.
- Immediate initiation of hypothermia post-injury may confer neuroprotection.
- Hypothermia presents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing optic nerve trauma.
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