The electroretinogram as a means to study the physiology of the retina

The electroretinogram (ERG) is an important assay for retinal physiology. This noninvasive recording can be used for basic and disease-related research. This chapter addresses ERGs, recorded in humans and nonhuman primates, for assessing retinal physiology and for clinical application. We will also describe ERG recordings in mice that are often used for studying basic retinal processes and for preclinical research. The basics of ERG recording techniques and experimental procedures will be discussed. A brief description of the standard full-field stimuli and their corresponding ERG responses is given, with indications on the cellular origin of the different response components. The chapter also describes new developments in ERG stimulus techniques that are potentially interesting for expanding the use of ERGs in basic and clinical research.