ERG changes in albino and pigmented mice after optic nerve transection

Optic nerve transection (ONT) triggers retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. By using this paradigm, we have analyzed for the first time in adult albino and pigmented mice, the effects of ONT in the scotopic threshold response (STR) components (negative and positive) of the full-field electroretinogram. Two weeks after ONT, when in pigmented mice approximately 18% of the RGC population survive, the STR-implicit time decreased and the p and nSTR waves diminished approximately to 40% or 55%, in albino or pigmented, respectively, with respect to the values recorded from the non-operated contralateral eyes. These changes were maintained up to 12 weeks post-ONT, demonstrating that the ERG–STR is a useful parameter to monitor RGC functionality in adult mice.

Research highlights
► Effects of optic nerve transection on the dark adapted ERG of mice.
► Persistent changes in the n- and pSTR amplitude following axotomy.
► Persistent changes in the n- and pSTR implicit time following axotomy.
► ERG–STR is a useful parameter to monitor RGC functionality in adult mice.