Using our novel model of glaucoma to understand if ganglion cells can recover from injury
Project Details
We have developed a novel laboratory model of chronic eye pressure elevation. This model shares many characteristics seen in human glaucoma; selective and progressive ganglion cell dysfunction. This will allow us to study the mechanisms underlying ganglion cell injury caused by chronic eye pressure elevation. The model may be particularly useful as the eye pressure can be quickly reversed. This opens up the possibility of study the mechanisms that facilitate the recovery of ganglion cell structure and function.
Figure: Chronic IOP elevation achieved via a circumlimbal suture (A & B) produces IOP elevation (C). Greater loss of ganglion cell function is observed compared with outer retinal responses (D). OCT reveals RNFL thinning (E vs F, & H), whereas overall retinal thickness was unchanged (G). Retinal histology shows a reduction in the number of cells found in the inner retina (I).