Glutamate and Hypoxia as a Stress Model for the Isolated Perfused Vertebrate Retina

The overall goal of the following experiment is to introduce glutamate or hypoxia stress as a potential model to test the effectiveness of neuroprotective agents. This is achieved by first obtaining freshly in nucleated bovine eyes and performing a quick, but still a traumatic explanation of the retina. Next, after fusing the retinas with a special nutrient solution, electrodes are used to record a series of stable baseline electroretinogram or ERGs.

Then glutamate is added to the nutrient solution, or hypoxia is induced by adding 100%nitrogen instead of oxygen. Finally, an ERG is recorded in order to see the effect of glutamate stress or hypoxia on the amplitudes of A and B waves. The results show a change in retinal function when exposed to hypoxia or glutamate stress through ERG recordings.