Our research is supported by the Intramural Research Program of the NIH, National Eye Institute.

All equipments and reagents used are sterile. All animal experiments were approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) at the NEI/NIH (animal study protocol NEI-570), and were performed according to the NIH guidelines and regulations.
1. Baseline Retrograde Labeling of Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) At Day 1
The purpose of this procedure is to label the retinal ganglion cells retrogradely by injecting a neural tracer dye into the superior colliculus of the mice three days before the optic nerve crush injury. The dye will be retrogradely taken up by the retinal ganglion cells and provides a marker for the living RGCs (Figure 1). This approach yields reproducible labeling of viable RGCs with little variation 1-5.
<ol>
 <li>Deeply anesthetize the mouse. Clean the hair on top of the head. Place the mouse in a small stereotaxic apparatus. Protective oinment is applied to both eyes. Disinfect the head skin three times each using an iodophor and a 70% alcohol scrub.</li>
 <li>Make an incision in the skin to expose the skull, and keep it dry and clean using 3% hydrogen peroxide.</li>
 <li>Identify and mark the bregma. Drill a hole above the superior colliculus at 2.9 mm behind the bregma and 0.5 mm lateral to the midline of each hemisphere7. During drilling, apply saline to the site where the hole is drilled to prevent secondary heat injury.</li>
 <li>Using a stereotaxic measuring device and a Hamilton syringe, inject the FluoroGold neural tracer dye (1 &mu;l of 3% Fluorochrome in saline) very slowly into the superior colliculus of each hemisphere at a depth of 1.6 mm from the bony surface of the brain.</li>
 <li>Suture the incision site. Give a subcutaneous injection of buprenorphine for analgesia.</li>
 <li>Move the mouse to a warm and dry area and monitor it until it is able to maintain an upright posture, and return it to its home cage. For the first three days after the labeling procedure, systemic analgesics (e.g., buprenorphine) and topical antibiotic ointment are given twice daily and the mouse is closely monitored.</li>
</ol>
2. Optic Nerve Crush Injury At Day 4
In this procedure, we will apply a crush injury to the optic nerve to cause a primary damage to the axons (Figure 2), which will lead to a gradual death of the retinal ganglion cells.
<ol>
 <li>Three days after the tracer dye application, the mouse is deeply anesthetized. Using a dissecting microscope, the conjunctiva of one eye is incised at about the 4 o'clock position using a pair of spring scissors.</li>
 <li>Gently deflect the orbital muscles and put them aside. Expose the white optic nerve at its exit from the eye globe. Take great care not to damage any blood vessels.</li>
 <li>With the aid of a pair of cross-action forceps, apply a crush injury to the optic nerve at about 2 mm from the eyeball for about 3 seconds. Take great care not to damage the ophthalmic artery to cause bleeding.</li>
 <li>After completion of the crush injury, the incision is sutured.</li>
 <li>Before the mouse recovers from anesthesia, give a subcutaneous injection of buprenorphine for analgesia.</li>
 <li>Move the mouse to a warm and dry area and monitor it, until it is able to maintain an upright posture and return it to its home cage. For the first three days after the crush injury procedure, systemic analgesics (e.g., buprenorphine) and topical antibiotic ointment are given twice daily and the mouse is closely monitored.</li>
</ol>
3. Harvest the Retinae and Analyze RGC Survival At Day 11
The purpose of this procedure is to harvest the retinaeto analyze retinal ganglion cell survival.
<ol>
 <li>At day 11 (day 7 after ONC), the mouse is euthanized by CO2 infusion and cervical dislocation.</li>
 <li>Eyes are enucleated with the help of a pair of forceps by applying pressure to the orbit.</li>
 <li>The eyes are fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde solution for two hours and washed in PBS three times. Dissect the retina. The procedure of retina dissection has already been published previously by JoVE in 2010 by Gustmann, S. et al.6, and therefore will not be described here.</li>
 <li>Images of the surviving retinal ganglion cells are taken using a fluorescent microscope in defined regions of the retina, and the retinal ganglion cell density can be counted. A representative result of the fluorescence-labeled retinal ganglion cells with or without optic nerve crush injury is shown in Figure 3.</li>
</ol>
4. Representative Results:
To analyze retinal ganglion cell survival, seven days after optic nerve crush injury, the retinae were harvested, fixed, flattened and mounted. Retinal images were taken using a fluorescent microscope. Compared with the uninjured normal retina (left, Normal), the number of viable RGCs (green, retrogradely labeled by the FluoroGold neural tracer dye injected into the superior colliculus) is significantly lower in the retinae with an optic nerve crush injury (right, ONC) (Figure 3).
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2685/2685fig1.jpg" alt="Figure 1" /> 
Figure 1. Baseline retrograde labeling of retinal ganglion cells 
In order to count the viable retinal ganglion cells at different time points after optic nerve crush injury, the retinal ganglion cells are labeled retrogradely by injecting a neural tracer dye (green color) into the superior colliculus in the brain three days before the optic nerve (red) crush injury. Since the axons of the retinal ganglion cells reside in the superior colliculus, the tracer dye will be taken up by the RGCs retrogradely and provides a marker for the living RGCs.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2685/2685fig2.jpg" alt="Figure 2" /> 
Figure 2. Optic nerve crush injury 
In order to analyze the status of retinal ganglion cell survival, a crush injury is applied to the optic nerve (red) to cause a primary damage to the axons. This will lead to a gradual death of the retinal ganglion cells. Three days after the tracer dye (green) injection, the mouse is anesthetized. The conjunctiva of one eye is incised. Deflect the orbital muscles and put them aside. Expose the optic nerve at its exit from the eye globe. Apply a crush injury to the optic nerve at about 2 mm from the eyeball for about 3 seconds using a pair of cross-action forceps.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2685/2685fig3.jpg" alt="Figure 3" /> 
Figure 3. Fluorescence-labeled retinal ganglion cells with or without optic nerve crush injury 
To analyze retinal ganglion cell survival, seven days after optic nerve crush injury, the retinae were harvested, fixed, flattened and mounted. Retinal images were taken using a fluorescent microscope. Compared with the uninjured normal retina (left, Normal), the number of viable RGCs (green, retrogradely labeled by the FluoroGold neural tracer dye injected into the superior colliculus) was significantly lower in the retinae with an optic nerve crush injury (right, ONC) (Figure 3). Scale bar: 50 &mu;m

<ol>
	<li>Yoles, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=GM1+reduces+injury-induced+metabolic+deficits+and+degeneration+in+the+rat+optic+nerve.">GM1 reduces injury-induced metabolic deficits and degeneration in the rat optic nerve.</a> Investigative ophthalmology &#38; visual science. 33, 3586-3591 (1992).</li><li>Fisher, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Vaccination+for+neuroprotection+in+the+mouse+optic+nerve:+implications+for+optic+neuropathies.">Vaccination for neuroprotection in the mouse optic nerve: implications for optic neuropathies.</a> J Neurosci. 21, 136-142 (2001).</li><li>Levkovitch-Verbin, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=RGC+death+in+mice+after+optic+nerve+crush+injury:+oxidative+stress+and+neuroprotection.">RGC death in mice after optic nerve crush injury: oxidative stress and neuroprotection.</a> Investigative ophthalmology &#38; visual science. 41, 4169-4174 (2000).</li><li>Li, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=VEGF-B+inhibits+apoptosis+via+VEGFR-1-mediated+suppression+of+the+expression+of+BH3-only+protein+genes+in+mice+and+rats.">VEGF-B inhibits apoptosis via VEGFR-1-mediated suppression of the expression of BH3-only protein genes in mice and rats.</a> The Journal of clinical investigation. 118, 913-923 (2008).</li><li>Tang, Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Survival+effect+of+PDGF-CC+rescues+neurons+from+apoptosis+in+both+brain+and+retina+by+regulating+GSK3beta+phosphorylation.">Survival effect of PDGF-CC rescues neurons from apoptosis in both brain and retina by regulating GSK3beta phosphorylation.</a> The Journal of experimental medicine. 207, 867-880 (2010).</li><li>Gustmann, S., Dunker, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vivo-like+organotypic+murine+retinal+wholemount+culture.">In vivo-like organotypic murine retinal wholemount culture.</a> J Vis Exp. , (2010).</li><li>Franklin, K., Paxinos, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> The Mouse Brain in Stereotaxic Coordinates. , (1997).</li></ol>

No conflicts of interest declared.

The optic nerve crush injury murine model is useful to study the process of RGC death and survival. This model is also often used to investigate the effects of different reagents and genes on RGC apoptosis and survival. One advantage of this model is that it has a high degree of reproducibility with minimal variations.
However, special care is required in several steps in this model. First, when making the optic nerve crush injury, it is essential not to use too much force and not to crush for...

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<td>&nbsp;</td>
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an optic nerve crush injury murine model to study retinal ganglion cell survival

Injury to the optic nerve can lead to axonal degeneration, followed by a gradual death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which results in irreversible vision loss. Examples of such diseases in human include traumatic optic neuropathy and optic nerve degeneration in glaucoma. It is characterized by typical changes in the optic nerve head, progressive optic nerve degeneration, and loss of retinal ganglion cells, if uncontrolled, leading to vision loss and blindness.
The optic nerve crush (ONC) injury mouse model is an important experimental disease model for traumatic optic neuropathy, glaucoma, etc. In this model, the crush injury to the optic nerve leads to gradual retinal ganglion cells apoptosis. This disease model can be used to study the general processes and mechanisms of neuronal death and survival, which is essential for the development of therapeutic measures. In addition, pharmacological and molecular approaches can be used in this model to identify and test potential therapeutic reagents to treat different types of optic neuropathy.
Here, we provide a step by step demonstration of (I) Baseline retrograde labeling of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) at day 1, (II) Optic nerve crush injury at day 4, (III) Harvest the retinae and analyze RGC survival at day 11, and (IV) Representative result.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about An Optic Nerve Crush Injury Murine Model to Study Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival at JoVE.com

An Optic Nerve Crush Injury Murine Model to Study Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival

This protocol shows how to retrogradely label retinal ganglion cells, and how to subsequently make an optic nerve crush injury in order to analyze retinal ganglion cell survival and apoptosis. It is an experimental disease model for different types of optic neuropathy, including glaucoma.

Injury to the optic nerve can lead to axonal degeneration, followed by a gradual death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which results in irreversible ...

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30.2K Views.  NIH. This protocol shows how to retrogradely label retinal ganglion cells, and how to subsequently make an optic nerve crush injury in order to analyze retinal ganglion cell survival and apoptosis. It is an experimental disease model for different types of optic neuropathy, including glaucoma.

Video: An Optic Nerve Crush Injury Murine Model to Study Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival

Optic Nerve Transection: A Model of Adult Neuron Apoptosis in the Central Nervous System

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are CNS neurons that output visual information from the retina to the brain, via the optic nerve. 
The optic nerve can be accessed within the orbit of the eye and completely transected (axotomized), cutting the axons of the entire RGC population. Optic nerve 
transection is a reproducible model of apoptotic neuronal cell death in the adult CNS 1-4. This model is particularly attractive because the vitreous
 chamber of the eye acts as a capsule for drug delivery to the retina, permitting experimental manipulations via intraocular injections. The diffusion of chemicals 
through the vitreous fluid ensures that they act upon the entire RGC population. Moreover, RGCs can be selectively transfected by applying short interfering RNAs 
(siRNAs), plasmids, or viral vectors to the cut end of the optic nerve 5-7 or injecting vectors into their target, the superior colliculus 8. 
This allows researchers to study apoptotic mechanisms in the desired neuronal population without confounding effects on other bystander neurons or surrounding glia. 
An additional benefit is the ease and accuracy with which cell survival can be quantified after injury. The retina is a flat, layered tissue and RGCs are localized in 
the innermost layer, the ganglion cell layer. The survival of RGCs can be tracked over time by applying a fluorescent tracer (3% Fluorogold) to the cut end of the 
optic nerve at the time of axotomy, or by injecting the tracer into the superior colliculus (RGC target) one week prior to axotomy. The tracer is retrogradely transported, labeling 
the entire RGC population. Because the ganglion cell layer is a monolayer (one cell thick), RGC densities can be quantified in flat-mounted tissue, without the need 
for stereology. Optic nerve transection leads to the apoptotic death of 90% of injured RGCs within 14 days postaxotomy 9-11. RGC apoptosis has a 
characteristic time-course whereby cell death is delayed 3-4 days postaxotomy, after which the cells rapidly degenerate. This provides a time window for 
experimental manipulations directed against pathways involved in apoptosis.

Optic Nerve transection is a widely used model of adult CNS injury. Ninety percent of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) whose axons are completely transected (axotomy) die within 14 days after axotomy. This model is easily amenable to experimental manipulations and highly reproducible.

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are CNS neurons that output visual information from the retina to the brain, via the optic nerve. 
The optic nerve can be ...

An Isolated Retinal Preparation to Record Light Response from Genetically Labeled Retinal Ganglion Cells

The first steps in vertebrate vision take place when light stimulates the rod and cone photoreceptors of the retina 1. This information is then segregated into what are known as the ON and OFF pathways. The photoreceptors signal light information to the bipolar cells (BCs), which depolarize in response to increases (On BCs) or decreases (Off BCs) in light intensity. This segregation of light information is maintained at the level of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which have dendrites stratifying in either the Off sublamina of the inner plexiform layer (IPL), where they receive direct excitatory input from Off BCs, or stratifying in the On sublamina of the IPL, where they receive direct excitatory input from On BCs. This segregation of information regarding increases or decreases in illumination (the On and Off pathways) is conserved and signaled to the brain in parallel.
The RGCs are the output cells of the retina, and are thus an important cell to study in order to understand how light information is signaled to visual nuclei in the brain. Advances in mouse genetics over recent decades have resulted in a variety of fluorescent reporter mouse lines where specific RGC populations are labeled with a fluorescent protein to allow for identification of RGC subtypes 2 3 4 and specific targeting for electrophysiological recording. Here, we present a method for recording light responses from fluorescently labeled ganglion cells in an intact, isolated retinal preparation. This isolated retinal preparation allows for recordings from RGCs where the dendritic arbor is intact and the inputs across the entire RGC dendritic arbor are preserved. This method is applicable across a variety of ganglion cell subtypes and is amenable to a wide variety of single-cell physiological techniques.

This article provides a description of how to dissect and record from the isolated retinal preparation in mouse. In particular, we describe how to record light responses from a fluorescently labeled ganglion cell population and subsequently identify and analyze its morphology.

The first steps in vertebrate vision take place when light stimulates the rod and cone photoreceptors of the retina 1.  This information is then ...

Visual Evoked Potential Recording in a Rat Model of Experimental Optic Nerve Demyelination

The visual evoked potential (VEP) recording is widely used in clinical practice to assess the severity of optic neuritis in its acute phase, and to monitor the disease course in the follow-up period. Changes in the VEP parameters closely correlate with pathological damage in the optic nerve. This protocol provides a detailed description about the rodent model of optic nerve microinjection, in which a partial demyelination lesion is produced in the optic nerve. VEP recording techniques are also discussed. Using skull implanted electrodes, we are able to acquire reproducible intra-session and between-session VEP traces. VEPs can be recorded on individual animals over a period of time to assess the functional changes in the optic nerve longitudinally. The optic nerve demyelination model, in conjunction with the VEP recording protocol, provides a tool to investigate the disease processes associated with demyelination and remyelination, and can potentially be employed to evaluate the effects of new remyelinating drugs or neuroprotective therapies.

Focal demyelination is induced in the optic nerve using lysolecithin microinjection. Visual evoked potentials are recorded via skull electrodes implanted over the visual cortex to examine the signal conduction along the visual pathway in vivo. This protocol details the surgical procedures underlying electrode implantation and optic nerve microinjection.

The visual evoked potential (VEP) recording is widely used in clinical practice to assess the severity of optic neuritis in its acute phase, and to ...

Single-cell RNA-Seq of Defined Subsets of Retinal Ganglion Cells

The discovery of cell type-specific markers can provide insight into cellular function and the origins of cellular heterogeneity. With a recent push for the improved understanding of neuronal diversity, it is important to identify genes whose expression defines various subpopulations of cells. The retina serves as an excellent model for the study of central nervous system diversity, as it is composed of multiple major cell types. The study of each major class of cells has yielded genetic markers that facilitate the identification of these populations. However, multiple subtypes of cells exist within each of these major retinal cell classes, and few of these subtypes have known genetic markers, although many have been characterized by morphology or function. A knowledge of genetic markers for individual retinal subtypes would allow for the study and mapping of brain targets related to specific visual functions and may also lend insight into the gene networks that maintain cellular diversity. Current avenues used to identify the genetic markers of subtypes possess drawbacks, such as the classification of cell types following sequencing. This presents a challenge for data analysis and requires rigorous validation methods to ensure that clusters contain cells of the same function. We propose a technique for identifying the morphology and functionality of a cell prior to isolation and sequencing, which will allow for the easier identification of subtype-specific markers. This technique may be extended to non-neuronal cell types, as well as to rare populations of cells with minor variations. This protocol yields excellent-quality data, as many of the libraries have provided read depths greater than 20 million reads for single cells. This methodology overcomes many of the hurdles presented by Single-cell RNA-Seq and may be suitable for researchers aiming to profile cell types in a straightforward and highly efficient manner.

Here, we present a combinatorial approach for classifying neuronal cell types prior to isolation and for the subsequent characterization of single-cell transcriptomes. This protocol optimizes the preparation of samples for successful RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq) and describes a methodology designed specifically for the enhanced understanding of cellular diversity.

The discovery of cell type-specific markers can provide insight into cellular function and the origins of cellular heterogeneity. With a recent push for ...

Dorsal Root Ganglion Injection and Dorsal Root Crush Injury as a Model for Sensory Axon Regeneration

Achieving axon regeneration after nervous system injury is a challenging task. As different parts of the central nervous system (CNS) differ from each other anatomically, it is important to identify an appropriate model to use for the study of axon regeneration. By using a suitable model, we can formulate a specific treatment based on the severity of injury, the neuronal cell type of interest, and the desired spinal tract for assessing regeneration. Within the sensory pathway, DRG neurons are responsible for relaying sensory information from the periphery to the CNS. We present here a protocol that uses a DRG injection with a viral vector and a concurrent dorsal root crush injury in the lower cervical spinal cord of an adult rat as a model to study sensory axon regeneration. As demonstrated using a control virus, AAV5-GFP, we show the effectiveness of a direct DRG injection in transducing DRG neurons and tracing sensory axons into the spinal cord. We also show the effectiveness of the dorsal root crush injury in denervating the forepaw as an injury model for evaluating axon regeneration. Despite the requirement for specialized training to perform this invasive surgical procedure, the protocol is flexible, and potential users can modify many parts to accommodate their experimental requirements. Importantly, it can serve as a foundation for those in search of a suitable animal model for their studies. We believe that this article will help new users to learn the procedure in a very efficient and effective manner.

This protocol presents the use of a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) injection with a viral vector and a concurrent dorsal root crush injury in an adult rat as a model to study sensory axon regeneration. This model is suitable for investigating the use of gene therapy to promote sensory axon regeneration.

Achieving axon regeneration after nervous system injury is a challenging task. As different parts of the central nervous system (CNS) differ from each ...

Partial Optic Nerve Transection in Rats: A Model Established with a New Operative Approach to Assess Secondary Degeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells

Previous studies have shown that the secondary degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) occurs commonly in glaucoma. Partial optic nerve transection is considered a useful and reproducible model. Compared with other optic nerve injury models used commonly for assessing secondary degeneration, e.g. complete optic nerve transection and optic nerve crush models, the partial optic nerve transection model is superior as it distinguishes primary from secondary degeneration in situ. Therefore, it serves as an excellent tool for evaluating secondary degeneration. This study describes a novel operative approach of partial optic nerve transection by directly accessing the area of the retrobulbar optic nerve through the orbital lateral wall of the eyeball. Moreover, we present a newly designed, low cost surgical instrument to assist with transection. As demonstrated by the representative results in distinguishing the boundary of primary and secondary injury areas, the new approach and instrument ensures high efficiency and stability of the model by providing adequate space for surgical operation. This in turn makes it easy to separate the meningeal sheath and ophthalmic vessels from the optic nerve before transection. An additional benefit is that this space-saving operative approach improves the investigators&#39; ability to administer drugs, carriers, or selective RGC tracers to the stump of the partially transected optic nerve, allowing the exploration of mechanisms behind secondary injury in RGCs, in a new way.

Secondary degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) occurs commonly in glaucoma. This study describes an innovative operative approach for partial optic nerve transection. The use of this space-saving operative approach extends the model's application range, and allows exploration of secondary injury mechanisms in RGCs in a new way.

Previous studies have shown that the secondary degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) occurs commonly in glaucoma. Partial optic nerve transection ...

Ethanol-Induced Cervical Sympathetic Ganglion Block Applications for Promoting Canine Inferior Alveolar Nerve Regeneration Using an Artificial Nerve

Polyglycolic acid collagen (PGA-C) tubes are bio-absorbable nerve tubes filled with collagen of multi-chamber structure, which consist of thin collagen films. Favorable clinical outcomes have been achieved when using these tubes for the treatment of damaged inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). A critical factor for the successful nerve regeneration using PGA-C tubes is blood supply to the surrounding tissue. Cervical sympathetic ganglion block (CSGB) creates a sympathetic blockade in the head and neck region thus increasing blood flow in the area. To ensure an adequate effect, the blockade must be administered with local anesthetics one to two times a day for several consecutive weeks; this poses a challenge when creating animal models for investigating this technique. To address this limitation, we developed an ethanol-induced CSGB in a canine model of long-term increase in blood flow in the orofacial region. We examined whether IAN regeneration via PGA-C tube implantation can be enhanced by this model. Fourteen Beagles were each implanted with a PGA-C tube across a 10-mm gap in the left IAN. The IAN is located within the mandibular canal surrounded by bone, therefore we chose piezoelectric surgery, consisting of ultrasonic waves, for bone processing, in order to minimize the risk of nerve and vessel injury. A good surgical outcome was obtained with this approach. A week after surgery, seven of these dogs were subjected to left CSGB by injection of ethanol. Ethanol-induced CSGB resulted in improved nerve regeneration, suggesting that the increased blood flow effectively promotes nerve regeneration in IAN defects. This canine model can contribute to further research on the long-term effects of CSGB.

We evaluated the effect of cervical sympathetic ganglion block on nerve repair using artificial nerve conduits. Male beagle dogs were each implanted with an artificial nerve across a 10-mm gap in the left inferior alveolar nerve; left cervical sympathetic ganglion was blocked by injecting 99.5% ethanol via lateral thoracotomy.

Polyglycolic acid collagen (PGA-C) tubes are bio-absorbable nerve tubes filled with collagen of multi-chamber structure, which consist of thin collagen ...

3D Kinematic Analysis for the Functional Evaluation in the Rat Model of Sciatic Nerve Crush Injury

Compared to the Sciatic Functional Index (SFI), kinematic analysis is a more reliable and sensitive method for performing functional evaluations of sciatic nerve injury rodent models. In this protocol, we describe a novel kinematic analysis method that uses a three-dimensional (3D) motion capture apparatus for functional evaluations using a rat sciatic nerve crush injury model. First, the rat is familiarized with treadmill walking. Markers are then attached to the designated bone landmarks and the rat is made to walk on the treadmill at the desired speed. Meanwhile, the posterior limb movements of the rat are recorded using four cameras. Depending on the software used, marker tracings are created using both automatic and manual modes and the desired data are produced after subtle adjustments. This method of kinematic analysis, which uses a 3D motion capture apparatus, offers numerous advantages, including superior precision and accuracy. Many more parameters can be investigated during the comprehensive functional evaluations. This method has several shortcomings that require consideration: The system is expensive, can be complicated to operate, and may produce data deviations due to skin shifting. Nevertheless, kinematic analysis using a 3D motion capture apparatus is useful for performing functional anterior and posterior limb evaluations. In the future, this method may become increasingly useful for generating accurate assessments of various traumas and diseases.

We introduce a kinematic analysis method that uses a three-dimensional motion capture apparatus containing four cameras and data processing software for performing functional evaluations during fundamental research involving rodent models.

Compared to the Sciatic Functional Index (SFI), kinematic analysis is a more reliable and sensitive method for performing functional evaluations of ...

Multifactorial Assessment of Motor Behavior in Rats after Unilateral Sciatic Nerve Crush Injury

The induction of a peripheral nerve injury is a widely used method in neuroscience for the assessment of repair and pain mechanisms among others. In addition, in the research field of movement disorders, sciatic crush injury has been employed to trigger a dystonia-like phenotype in genetically predisposed DYT-TOR1A rodent models of dystonia. To achieve consistent, reproducible and comparable results after a sciatic nerve crush injury, a standardized method for inducing the nerve crush is essential, in addition to a standardized phenotypical characterization. Attention must be paid not only to the specific assortment of behavioral tests, but also to the technical requirements, the correct execution and consecutive data analysis. This protocol describes in detail how to perform a sciatic nerve crush injury and provides a behavioral test battery for the assessment of motor deficits in rats that includes the open field test, the CatWalk XT gait analysis, the beam walking task, and the ladder rung walking task.

We provide a protocol for the assessment of motor behavior via a behavioral test battery in rats after sciatic nerve crush injury.

The induction of a peripheral nerve injury is a widely used method in neuroscience for the assessment of repair and pain mechanisms among others. In ...

In Vivo Methods to Assess Retinal Ganglion Cell and Optic Nerve Function and Structure in Large Animals

The optic nerve collects axons signals from the retinal ganglion cells and transmits visual signal to the brain. Large animal models of optic nerve injury are essential for translating novel therapeutic strategies from rodent models to clinical application due to their closer similarities to humans in size and anatomy. Here we describe some in vivo methods to evaluate the function and structure of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerve (ON) in large animals, including visual evoked potential (VEP), pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Both goat and non-human primate were employed in this study. By presenting these in vivo methods step by step, we hope to increase experimental reproducibility among different labs and facilitate the usage of large animal models of optic neuropathies.

In Vivo Methods to Assess Retinal Ganglion Cell and Optic Nerve Function and Structure in Large Animals

Here we demostrate several in vivo tests (flash visual evoked potential, pattern electroretinogram and optic coherence tomography) in goat and rhesus macaque to understand the structure and function of the optic nerve and its neurons.

The optic nerve collects axons signals from the retinal ganglion cells and transmits visual signal to the brain. Large animal models of optic nerve injury ...