Measuring Retinal Function with ERG in Rodents

Current preclinical eye and eye-brain research often includes the collection of geographical data, such as fluorescence imaging, and structural data obtained using techniques such as optical coherence tomography. However, seldom are functional measurements of the eye measured using electroretinography (ERG) as it has traditionally been viewed as a difficult technology to implement. Fortunately, innovation in the tools and techniques to measure ERG in rodent subjects now offer a dramatic decrease in complexity for the scientist and thus pave a new way forward for comprehensive study of eye function and associated disease. In this webinar, sponsored by Phoenix Research Labs, scientists discuss the essential elements of measuring retina function in rodents, highlighting key technology, methodology and best practices that will lead to accurate and repeatable results in the lab. Dr. Peter Lundh von Leithner, PhD from University College London shares the importance of electrophysiology to his research and how he has optimized equipment for his particular studies. Dr. Christine van Hover, Ph.D. also reviews the four step process uniquely available with the Phoenix Research Labs technology. Key Topics: * the importance of electroretinography in eye research * key differences when testing the rodent versus human eye -- optimizing system settings for the rodent eye including electrodes, dark adaptation and the two classes of cones * obtaining quality data without a Faraday cage * fundamental elements of data export, display and analysis * the power of “total information” -- how adding functional measurements to each retinal evaluation can reveal critical information