Rapid and noninvasive imaging of retinal ganglion cells in live mouse models of glaucoma.

PURPOSE: We report a noninvasive method for the monitoring of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival in live mice utilizing standard fluorescence microscopy. PROCEDURES: Transgenic mice expressing cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) under the regulation of an RGC-specific promoter Thy1 were used in this study. RESULTS: We established that Thy1-CFP expression is a quantitative reflection of the number of surviving RGCs, the fluorescence emission is stable for at least a year and that the loss of fluorescence correlates directly to glaucomatous damage. In high pressure glaucoma model, the peripheral retina is preferentially affected. CONCLUSIONS: Our live-imaging technique allows for the longitudinal assessment of RGC survival from the same animal. Noninvasive monitoring of neuronal cell death and survival is a powerful technique that would allow investigators to validate new potential glaucoma therapy based on neuroprotection.