gms | German Medical Science

The electroretinogram (ERG) from the isolated bovine retina is a proven method of evaluation of the retinal neuronal function. It is used as a sensitive pharmacological tool to investigate the effects of applied toxins and drugs on photoreceptors, recording the changes of the a wave and higher order neurons that contribute to the generation of the b-wave. After isolation and detachment from the pigment epithelium, part of the retina is placed into a measuring chamber, which enables a perfusion with nutrient solution. The ingredients of the nutrient solution and its flow rate, oxygenation, light intensity and incubation temperature were optimised empirically to achieve a maximal b-wave amplitude and long-lasting stability. The method of the isolated perfused bovine retina was used in various experiments, including toxicity testing of drugs used in ophthalmology, functional evaluation of neuronal biochemical interaction partners and Ca2+ channel antagonists. The recording of the ERG from the isolated and perfused bovine retina serves as a valuable physiological model for a neuronal network in which important questions related to the retinal signalling and metabolism can be investigated. In our oral presentation we describe the method of the isolated superfused bovine retina and give an overview of the results of our experimental work.