Feasibility of ERG in Senescence-accelerated Mouse (SAM)

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: The senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) is a model of aging. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of in vivo ERG in two SAM strains: SAMP8 and SAMR1. Methods: Six month-old animals were anaesthetized and the ERG was recorded via the silver corneal electrode and a reference electrode placed on the tongue. The ERG response was amplified using a low-pass filter setting of 1 Hz and a high-pass filter of 1,000 Hz. After amplification, the signal was digitized and processed. The retina was stimulated by a photostimulator delivering light flashes (white light, 10 µsec, 237 lx) to the eye by optical fibers and a white sphere that mimics a Ganzfeld dome. Results: No statistical differences were observed between both strains for these parameters. Optic microscopy was also performed to assess the structure of retina. Conclusion: This preliminary study shows that in vivo ERG in the senescence-accelerated mouse is feasible in routine. Further experiments are ongoing with older animals to establish an age related evolution of ERG in these SAM strains.  

Keywords: electroretinography: non-clinical • aging • animal model