Abstract
Purpose: :
To characterize limitations for use of feline model in evaluation of microelectrode arrays of different manufacturers and its functional validity in cortical visual prosthesis.
Methods: :
We used behavioral feline model, described in our works earlier (ARVO 2008, 3017/D613), to evaluate microelectrode array crucial function - does it induce phosphenes or not. In recent work, we provided two sets of combined acute laboratory experiment. Set I included synchronous recording of visual evoked potentials during behavioral response to light stimulus; and in set II we performed synchronous recording of visual evoked potentials during behavioral response to visual cortex electric stimulation in which induced phosphenes were recognized by animal as light stimuli (learned by the animal before). All experiments were conducted in accordance with Helsinki’s declaration.
Results: :
Latency, amplitude and shape of evoked potentials were practically identical in both sets of experiment. That is one more "pro" argument in assumption that mechanism of paw raising reflex is identical in response to light stimulus presentation and electric stimulation of visual cortex with closed eyes when animal interprets induced phosphenes as flashes generated by light source. To date any behavioral animal model can help us to receive "yes/no" or "effective/ineffective" results or maximum evaluation of two or three parameters in microelectrode array function.
Keywords: visual cortex • neuro-ophthalmology: cortical function/rehabilitation