The effect of body temperature on the murine electroretinogram.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of body temperature on the murine electroretinogram (ERG).


METHODS
The corneal ERG elicited by a strobe flash from dark-adapted mice was recorded using a saline wick electrode while measuring rectal temperature continuously. The mouse was placed within a cylindrical coil of tubing through which water circulated from a temperature controlled bath. The body temperature of the mouse was changed stepwise between 30 and 37 degrees C.


RESULTS
ERGs of approximately normal configuration were recorded at body temperature ranging between 30 and 37 degrees C. The maximum amplitude of the a- and b-waves varied linearly with temperature. The rate of change of b-wave amplitude was about 100 microV/degree. At 30 degrees C, maximum b-wave amplitude was about 400 microV; at 37 degrees C it was about 1000 microV. A change in body temperature produced a rapid change in ERG amplitude.


CONCLUSIONS
The murine ERG is very sensitive to changes in temperature. In order to monitor the ERG accurately over time, continuous recording of body temperature is essential.
Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Jian
J
Kong
Peter
P
Gouras
D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D003623:Dark Adaptation; D004596:Electroretinography; D006358:Hot Temperature; D051379:Mice; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D012160:Retina / Q000502:physiology*