Investigation of Retinal Degeneration in Mice Using Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

 

Purpose:

 

The purpose of this preliminary study is to investigate Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (FD OCT) as a non-invasive tool for retinal imaging in mouse models for retinal degenerative diseases.

 

Methods:

 

A prototype spectrometer based FD OCT system was used in combination with a custom optical beam-scanning platform. Images of the retinas from wild type, rds, and rs1h knockout mice were acquired non-invasively using FD OCT with the specimen anesthetized. Following euthanasia, invasive retinal cross sectional images (histology) were acquired from a nearby region for comparison.

 

Results:

 

The retinal layers could be identified in the FD OCT images, permitting delineation and thickness measurement. Disorganization of the retinal layers and retinal holes were observed in the rs1h knockout mouse (the model for X-linked retinoschisis) as indicated in Figure 1.

 

Conclusions:

 

FD OCT has been demonstrated for non-invasive imaging of retinal degeneration in rds mice, and observation of retinal holes in rs1h knockout mice.Acknowledgements: We acknowledge support from the President’s Research Grant from SFU to MVS and NEI grant (EY 02422) to RSM.Figure Caption: Fig. 1 FD OCT retinal images acquired from a (a) wild type and (b) rs1h knockout mouse in vivo. Each FD OCT image consists of 800 lines. (c) Histology of the rs1h knockout mouse retina, with DAPI nuclear staining overlaid on DIC image.  

 

Keywords: imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • retina • degenerations/dystrophies