Author Spotlight: Developing Precise and Clinically Relevant Models for Studying Secondary Degeneration in Traumatic Optic Neuropathy

Our laboratory explores the mechanisms controlling secondary degeneration after ITON, indirect traumatic optic neuropathy, with the goal of developing rational therapies for patients. Currently, the devices to induce CNS injury in the field include controlled cortical impact devices, weight drop models, and compression air-driven shock tubes. We have found that the duration of the interblast exposure interval contributes significantly to the amount of axon degeneration, and that injury to the optic nerve, similar to injury to the brain, significantly elevates the amount of reactive oxygen species.

And that contributes to the secondary axon degeneration. This protocol addresses the need for a device that offers precise control over injury location and severity, while maintaining clinical relevance for closed-system injuries. It also offers a way to study the short interblast injury intervals of certain occupational environments.

It's also cost effective, easy to set up and use. So while other devices also offer customization, this closed-system injury device stands out for its ease of set up and use. And this protocol provides a detailed framework simplifying this process, enabling other researchers to quickly adapt and set up the device for their own specific experimental goals and needs.