Characterising retinal ganglion cell response to injury

© 2016 Dr. Eamonn Thomas FahyGlaucoma is a group of progressive optic neuropathies that have in common the slow progressive degeneration and eventual death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). There is evidence, however, from clinical and laboratory work, to suggest that early dysfunction in glaucomatous RGCs may be reversible. This thesis explores characteristics of healthy, injured and recovered RGCs using a model of acute intraocular pressure injury in mice. Patch clamping was used to interrogate single cell electrophysiology. RGCs exhibited reversibly impaired excitability following injury. A study into differences manifest with age suggested that older mice undergo a slower recovery process following injury. This is the first evidence that single RGCs can undergo a period of reduced function with recovery at a later stage and provides insights into possible mechanisms for reversible ganglion cell dysfunction in early glaucoma