In our video series “OptoDrum Applications” we showcase different research applications of Striatech’s OptoDrum. In this video, Prof. Dr. Enzmann from the University of Bern presents results of his research in a model of optic neuropathy and multiple sclerosis.
There is no good mouse model for optic neuropathies, an inflammation of the optic nerve, so Prof. Enzmann applied a model of multiple sclerosis. He used induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, or EAE, the most common experimental model for multiple sclerosis. In humans, optic neuropathy causes mainly temporary vision loss and pain, but most people fully recover. Most often this disease occurs in adults aged 20 to 45 – for women it is twice as likely.
In this video, Prof. Enzmann shows his results using a mouse model where he induces neuroinflammation by injecting MOG (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein) peptide and pertussis toxin, and augments the resulting inflammatory immune response by injection of anti-MOG antibodies. He measures disease progression on days 14 and 28 by monitoring the thickness of the retina with OCT, and the animal’s visual acuity with the OptoDrum. Compared to control animals, treated animals fare worse in the EAE disease score, and augmented treatment increases the dilaterious effects. Prof Enzmann also presents a potential treatment: Injection of neonatal Fc-receptor antibody reduces the severity score of the disease. In all cases, the visual acuity of the animals correlated well with the disease score, showing that the visual function of the animal directly reflects disease progression and treatment success.
Enjoy watching!
If you are interested in further research on neuroinflammation please have a look at our Journal Club with Dr. Janos Groh, where he explains that neuroinflammation can amplify not only the disease progression of many different genetically driven diseases, but also of aging. Treatments that target the dilaterious immune response, rather than the underlying disease itself, can therefore provide a good possibility of helping those patients.
If you have questions or would like to discuss your specific research application, have a closer look at our OptoDrum page or contact us directly via [email protected].
Greetings,
Your Striatech Team