Rapid and noninvasive imaging of retinal ganglion cells in live mouse models of glaucoma.
OBJECTIVE
We report a noninvasive method for the monitoring of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival in live mice utilizing standard fluorescence microscopy.


METHODS
Transgenic mice expressing cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) under the regulation of an RGC-specific promoter Thy1 were used in this study.


RESULTS
We established that Thy1-CFP expression is a quantitative reflection of the number of surviving RGCs, the fluorescence emission is stable for at least a year and that the loss of fluorescence correlates directly to glaucomatous damage. In high pressure glaucoma model, the peripheral retina is preferentially affected.


CONCLUSIONS
Our live-imaging technique allows for the longitudinal assessment of RGC survival from the same animal. Noninvasive monitoring of neuronal cell death and survival is a powerful technique that would allow investigators to validate new potential glaucoma therapy based on neuroprotection.
Tosi
Joaquin
J
Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, Box 18, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Wang
Nan-Kai
NK
Zhao
Jin
J
Chou
Chai Lin
CL
Kasanuki
J Mie
JM
Tsang
Stephen H
SH
Nagasaki
Takayuki
T
D000818:Animals; D002452:Cell Count; D016923:Cell Death / Q000187:drug effects; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005453:Fluorescence; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D007608:Kainic Acid / Q000633:toxicity; D051379:Mice; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D016202:N-Methylaspartate / Q000633:toxicity; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000633:toxicity; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D018800:Thy-1 Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
C485182:Cyan Fluorescent Protein; D009498:Neurotoxins; D018800:Thy-1 Antigens; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D016202:N-Methylaspartate; D007608:Kainic Acid