Experimental Models

Experimental Models (EM) module Summary The purpose of the Experimental Models (EM) Module is to provide expert service and assistance for a large variety of in vivo testing and procedures, help facilitate all experiments using animal models performed by MVRC investigators, and to enable them to develop new interdisciplinary projects. Specific Aims are: 1) To provide expert services and assistance, through the use of specialized equipment and experienced personnel, for a large variety of surgical and non-surgical procedures for experimental vision research in mice, rats, rabbits, cats, dogs, pigs and non-human primates, 2) To provide training to all investigators on established procedures and assist investigators developing new procedures, including new surgical methods and drug delivery, 3) To serve as a resource center for fostering new collaborations among MVRC scientists and clinicians, and for sharing animal models, biological tissues and genotyping protocols, 4) To consult and assist with IACUC and IBC protocols, including protocol writing and compliance. Experienced personnel and specialized equipment are available in this module for vision researchers. This module is essential for numerous basic science and translational research studies at BPEI, as indicated by its extensive use by most of our NEI-funded investigators. In the last funding period, the EM module was used to generate data that was reported in numerous publications and included in new grant awards. Furthermore, this module has been essential in developing novel electrophysiological and behavioral assessment of vision in rodents, for creating inducible animal models of glaucoma, traumatic optic neuropathy, retinal ischemia, diabetes, and macular degeneration, testing novel gene therapies, and investigating environmental influences on animal models of retinal disease through the use of the rodent smoking machine and specific nutrition modifications. This module will continue to provide an essential resource for cutting-edge research by MVRC investigators.