Functionally non-adaptive retinal plasticity in rat models of human retinal degenerative disease
Date
2008
Authors
McGill, Trevor
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2008
Abstract
The established model used for evaluating potential therapies for retinal disease
has significant limitations. A new model is proposed to account for these limitations: the
visual adaptation model. The visual adaptation model was developed to provide a novel
approach for testing potential treatments for retinal disease, and the work in this thesis
provides empirical support for this model. Specifically, we evaluated two potential
therapies for retinal degenerative disease and examined their effects on vision and retinal
anatomy. In addition, the profile of retinal reorganization and its functional correlates
were examined in RCS rats and transgenic rats which express a rhodopsin mutation;
however, immunohistological work targeted one specific line (S334ter-4). Collectively,
these studies provide evidence that supports the retinal adaptation model. These studies
also provide a novel view of retinal and visual function in retinal disease which should be
considered when evaluating treatments involving retinal degeneration.
Description
xvii, 205 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Dissertations, Academic , Retina -- Diseases -- Research , Retinal degeneration -- Research , Retinitis pigmentosa -- Research