Abstract
Purpose: :
Fatp1-/- mice are deficient for the fatty acid transport protein 1, a protein that has been shown to negatively regulates RPE65 in vitro. To test whether or not the lack of Fatp1-/- affects photoreceptor function and visual pigment regeneration, we performed ERG testing. To improve the sensitivity of the test, it was necessary to optimize the ERG process.
Methods: :
We designed a modified electrode made of a cotton wick and impregnated with NaCl. We analyzed the ERG profiles of the Fatp1-/- mouse model obtained using the cotton-wick electrode in comparison to those obtained with a silver wire loop electrode.
Results: :
The electroretinogram recordings obtained using the silver wire loop electrodes suggested that there was no difference in the ERG amplitudes of Fatp1+/+ and Fatp1-/- mice. In contrast, as the cotton-wick electrode gave higher amplitude recordings and a better reproducibility of the recordings over time, we were able to detect a statistically significant, 10% decrease in both a- and b-wave amplitudes in the Fatp1-/- mice compared to Fatp1+/+.
Conclusions: :
Cotton electrodes are easy to make and provides reliable ERG recordings of higher amplitudes and lower variability. Results obtained in Fatp1-/- mice suggest mild photoreceptor dysfunction, reminiscent of the dysfonction observed in animals lacking DHA. This is consistent with the role of FATP1 in the lipid transport.
Keywords: electrophysiology: non-clinical • retina