Selective ganglion cell functional loss in rats with experimental glaucoma

Abstract

PURPOSE. To characterize retinal functional consequences of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in a rat model of experimental glaucoma. METHODS. Unilateral elevation of IOP was produced by hypertonic saline injection into an episcleral vein in 20 adult male Brown-Norway rats. IOP was measured in both eyes of awake animals four to five times per week, After 5 weeks, animals were dark adapted overnight (>12 hours) and full-field electroretinograms (ERGs) were obtained simultaneously from both eyes. Scotopic ERG stimuli were brief white flashes (-6.64-2.72 log cd-s/m2). Photopic responses were also obtained (0.97-2.72 log cd-s/m2) after 15 minutes of light adaptation (150 cd/m2). Eyes were pro..