Technology Opportunities

Electrophysiological studies of retinal function: early detection of retinal diseases, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating efficacy of neuroprotective treatment aimed at preventing loss of vision.

Visual Sciences Laboratory, Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment

Research Capabilities

• The laboratory has over 15 years of experience in using electroretinography (ERG) to study retinal function in animal models of retinal diseases.
• Over the years we have been studying retinal function in various species, including non-human primates, dogs, cats, sheep, pigeons and rodents.
• The main focus of our work has been loss of vision in glaucoma, but we have also studied loss of retinal function in models of achromatopsia, laser injury, AMD, and various genetic mouse models.
• We have several flash and pattern ERG units that allow us to study both outer and inner retinal function. Recordings are conducted in a newly-built walk-in Faraday room that allows us to record ERGs free of noise contamination in an SPF environment. A mobile ERG unit is used to conduct recordings in animals outside the laboratory setting.

Electroretinography used to investigate retinal function in a sheep suffering from dayblindness, a naturally occurring model for human achromatopsia

Advantages

Electro-retinography is a non-invasive technique used to evaluate retinal function, enabling repeat recordings in the same animal. Unlike traditional neuroprotective studies which rely on histology and counting of cells, the technique allows us to study the same animal over time, allowing for early detection of disease, monitoring its progression, and evaluation of treatment efficacy.

Research Background

Our laboratory aims to understand the molecular mechanisms that lead to the death of retinal neurons, focusing on the roles of both sodium channels and the immune system in the pathogenesis of retinal neuropathy. Better understanding of these mechanisms allows us to develop new neuroprotective strategies aimed at preventing loss of vision in retinal diseases.

Researcher and Research Interests

Professor Ron Ofri, Associate Professor in veterinary ophthalmology, is a veterinary scientist and a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. His special interests include retinal function in animal models, and comparative ocular physiology.

Laboratory Contact

Ron Ofri, DVM, PhD, DECVO, Associate Professor in Veterinary Ophthalmology, ofri@agri.huji.ac.il, +972-54-8820523, Home page: http://ksvm.agri.huji.ac.il/staff/ron_ofri.htm