In vivo FM: using conventional fluorescence microscopy to monitor retinal neuronal death in vivo.
Post-traumatic death of mature retinal neurons occurs in glaucoma and after optic nerve injury. The death is a dynamic process that can be fully analyzed with methods that monitor changes over time. We have coupled the development of retrogradely transportable fluorescent dyes with modification of conventional epifluorescence microscopy to manipulate and visualize rat retinal neurons in vivo. The method is a relatively new concept and has potential for the monitoring of retinal conditions, such as glaucoma or optic nerve transection, and for evaluation of neuroprotective strategies in the near future.
Dept of Experimental Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Münster, Domagkstrasse 15, D-48149 Münster, Germany. solon@uni-muenster.de
Solon
S
Thanos
Lars
L
Indorf
Rita
R
Naskar
D000818:Animals; D016923:Cell Death; D005260:Female; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D008297:Male; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D051381:Rats; D012160:Retina / Q000473:pathology*; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000473:pathology
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes