Identifying cell class specific losses from serially generated electroretinogram components

Abstract

Purpose. Processing of information through the cellular layers of the retina occurs in a serial manner. In the electroretinogram (ERG), this complicates interpretation of inner retinal changes as dysfunction may arise from "upstream" neurons or may indicate a direct loss to that neural generator. We propose an approach that addresses this issue by defining ERG gain relationships. Methods. Regression analyses between two serial ERG parameters in a control cohort of rats are used to define gain relationships. These gains are then applied to two models of retinal disease. Results. The PIII amp to PIIampgain is unity whereas the P II ampto pSTRampand PIIampto n STR ampgains are greater than unit..