We propose to refine and extend several efficient morphometric and physiological measurements from eyes and retinas of common inbred and recombinant inbred strain of mice. One emphasis of this work is to develop significantly faster ways to carry out unbiased and reliable quantitative analyses of murine retinas. To explore the genetic basis of eye disease, we are acquiring data from mice belonging to over 100 strains and crosses. Some of these strains have already proved to be valuable models for studing serious diseases that compromise human vision--glaucoma, myopia, diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. We now are adapting efficient clinical diagnostic procedures (cryostat sectioning) and video-enhanced DIC microscopy to carry out a comprehensive biometric survey of the range of variation in eye, retinal, and optic nerve architecture. Data are acquired from mice of both sexes and a wide range of ages. Electroretinograms, pupillary reflexes, and optical measurement of eyes will also be obtained to assess functional aspects of vision in numerous and diverse strains. All of these data are being integrated into a sophisticated and universally accessible database available on the World Wide Web at nervenet.org.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EY013070-02
Application #
6329579
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZMH1-BRB-I (01))
Program Officer
Mariani, Andrew P
Project Start
2000-01-07
Project End
2002-11-30
Budget Start
2000-12-01
Budget End
2001-11-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$196,907
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
941884009
City
Memphis
State
TN
Country
United States
Zip Code
38163