Rapid and noninvasive imaging of retinal ganglion cells in live mouse models of glaucoma.

Joaquin Tosi*, Nan Kai Wang, Jin Zhao, Chai Lin Chou, J. Mie Kasanuki, Stephen H. Tsang, Takayuki Nagasaki

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: We report a noninvasive method for the monitoring of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival in live mice utilizing standard fluorescence microscopy. PROCEDURES: Transgenic mice expressing cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) under the regulation of an RGC-specific promoter Thy1 were used in this study. RESULTS: We established that Thy1-CFP expression is a quantitative reflection of the number of surviving RGCs, the fluorescence emission is stable for at least a year and that the loss of fluorescence correlates directly to glaucomatous damage. In high pressure glaucoma model, the peripheral retina is preferentially affected. CONCLUSIONS: Our live-imaging technique allows for the longitudinal assessment of RGC survival from the same animal. Noninvasive monitoring of neuronal cell death and survival is a powerful technique that would allow investigators to validate new potential glaucoma therapy based on neuroprotection.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)386-393
Number of pages8
JournalMolecular Imaging and Biology
Volume12
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 08 2010
Externally publishedYes

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