advertisement
Abstract #27231 Published in IGR 12-4
Repeated intraocular pressure measurement in awake Lewis Rats does not bias retinal ganglion cell survival
Cuny CS; Joachim SC; Gramlich OW; Gottschling PF; Pfeiffer N; Grus FHCurrent Eye Research 2010; 35: 1034-1039
Purpose: The TonoPen applanation tonometry is an established method for intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement. The IOP is one of the main variables affecting retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss in experimental animal models in ophthalmology and the main risk factor for human glaucoma. In this study, we examined if IOP measurements with the TonoPen itself lead to retinal ganglion cell loss or any other possible retina damages, such as intraocular bleedings or ablation, in Lewis rats. Methods: Three groups of rats (n5 each) were formed. IOP monitoring, using a TonoPen XL, was performed on groups 1 and 3. Animals in groups 1 and 2 received funduscopies before and after one and two weeks of the study, in order to detect possible abnormalities. After two weeks, retinal flatmounts were stained to detect ganglion cells. RGCs were manually counted in eight predefined areas to compare mean RGC densities between groups 1 and 2 (IOP readings vs. no readings), using student t-test. Results: No significant difference in RGC density between animals that underwent IOP readings and controls could be observed (p0.8). As expected, no IOP alterations were monitored in groups 1 and 3 throughout the study. No retinal abnormalities, such as bleeding or retina ablation, were detectable. Conclusion: We could detect no effects on retinal ganglion cell survival in Lewis rats or any other damages to the retina caused by IOP measurements using a TonoPen XL. This study proposes that repeated applanation tonometry does not affect RGC numbers, one of the main monitored variables in most glaucoma model studies. Therefore, the use of a TonoPen XL for repeated IOP monitoring in Lewis rats can be considered harmless. (copyright) 2010 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.
F. H. Grus. Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, Mainz 55101, Germany. grus@eye-research.org
Classification:
5.1 Rodent (Part of: 5 Experimental glaucoma; animal models)
6.1.1 Devices, techniques (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods > 6.1 Intraocular pressure measurement; factors affecting IOP)
11.8 Neuroprotection (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)