Enhanced auditory responses in visual cortex of blind rats using intrinsic optical signal imaging.

Functional maturation of the visual cortex is induced by visual experiences during critical periods. Blind animals and humans exhibit improved auditory abilities after losing their vision. Here we investigated the response of the visual cortex to white noise stimuli during the progression of photoreceptor degeneration in a rat model of blindness (Royal College of Surgeons [RCS] (rdy/rdy) rats).

Evaluation of Local Retinal Function in Light-Damaged Rats Using Multifocal Electroretinograms and Multifocal Visual Evoked Potentials.

Electroretinograms (ERGs) are often used to evaluate retinal function. However, assessing local retinal function can be challenging; therefore, photopic and scotopic ERGs are used to record whole-retinal function. This study evaluated focal retinal function in rats exposed to continuous light using a multifocal ERG (mfERG) system.

SIG-1451, a Novel, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Compound, Attenuates Light-Induced Photoreceptor Degeneration by Affecting the Inflammatory Process.

Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive retinal disease that is associated with factors such as oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of SIG-1451, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound developed for treating atopic dermatitis and known to inhibit Toll-like receptor 4, in light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. SIG-1451 was intraperitoneally injected into rats once per day before exposure to 1000 lx light for 24 h; one day later, optical coherence tomography showed a decrease in retinal thickness, and electroretinogram (ERG) amplitude was also found to have decreased 3 d after light exposure.