In vivo assessment of rodent retinal structure using spectral domain optical coherence tomography

Abstract

To determine the potential of a commercially available optical coherence tomography (OCT) device (Spectralis™ HRA + OCT, Heidelberg Engineering) for small animal retinal imaging, we achieved to adapt this third generation OCT system to obtain and quantify high-resolution morphological sections of rodent retina in models with acquired and inherited retinal degenerations. Genetically induced (rd1, rho -/-, RPE65) and acquired retinal degeneration (light damage) was similarly clear as in histology and could be followed in a timeline fashion. We were able to detect and analyze a wide range of retinal pathology in a variety of established animal models used in vision research. As this technique allows longitudinal study designs, it will facilitate characterization of disease dynamics while reducing the numbers of study animals needed. Use of identical outcome measures and even the same diagnostic device in animal and clinical studies bears the potential to streamline translational approaches, e.g., in the assessment of putative therapeutic interventions. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.