Inherited glaucoma in DBA/2J mice: Pertinent disease features for studying the neurodegeneration

Richard T. Libby, Michael G. Anderson, Iok Hou Pang, Zachary H. Robinson, Olga V. Savinova, I. Mihai Cosma, Amy Snow, Lawriston A. Wilson, Richard S. Smith, Abbot F. Clark, Simon W.M. John

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

189 Scopus citations

Abstract

The glaucomas are neurodegenerative diseases involving death of retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve head excavation. A major risk factor for this neurodegeneration is a harmfully elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Human glaucomas are typically complex, progressive diseases that are prevalent in the elderly. Family history and genetic factors are clearly important in human glaucoma. Mouse studies have proven helpful for investigating the genetic and mechanistic basis of complex diseases. We previously reported inherited, age-related progressive glaucoma in DBA/2J mice. Here, we report our updated findings from studying the disease in a large number of DBA/2J mice. The period when mice have elevated IOP extends from 6 months to 16 months, with 8-9 months representing an important transition to high IOP for many mice. Optic nerve degeneration follows IOP elevation, with the majority of optic nerves being severely damaged by 12 months of age. This information should help with the design of experiments, and we present the data in a manner that will be useful for future studies of retinal ganglion cell degeneration and optic neuropathy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)637-648
Number of pages12
JournalVisual Neuroscience
Volume22
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2005

Keywords

  • Glaucoma
  • Intraocular pressure
  • Mouse model
  • Neurodegeneration

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