Functional phenotyping of mouse models with ERG.

In many situations it is important to be able to assess the degree of retinal function, e.g., for the characterization of mouse models with unknown retinal involvement, when studying degenerative processes, for the analysis of visual signal processing, and during the follow-up of therapeutic interventions. Full-field electroretinography (ERG), yielding a sum response of event-related transient electrical activity of the entire retina to light stimulation, is widely applied in human as well as experimental functional diagnostics. ERG examinations normally include initial dark-adapted (scotopic) measurements that enable rod-driven activity to be studied, followed by light-adapted (photopic) recordings to obtain information about cone system contributions. The results allow the correlation of acute or long-term disease-related changes or their alleviation by therapy with morphological data, in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying processes and mechanisms.