Functionally non-adaptive retinal plasticity in rat models of human retinal degenerative disease

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.

Grantor dc:publisher

Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2008

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Authors dc:creator

• McGill, Trevor
• University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science

Advisor dc:contributor.supervisor

• Prusky, Glen

• Dissertations, Academic
• Retina -- Diseases -- Research
• Retinal degeneration -- Research
• Retinitis pigmentosa -- Research

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier

hdl:10133/726

OAI record oai:identifier

https://opus.uleth.ca/server/oai/request?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=dim&identifier=oai%3Aopus.uleth.ca%3A10133%2F726