Chemical Injection Restores Sight in Blind Mice
Jul-27-12
Researchers have discovered a chemical able to temporarily restore sight in blind mice, which could open doors to new vision loss therapies.The chemical, called AAQ, is a photoswitch. It binds to the ion channels on the surface of the rod and cone cell and changes the flow of ions when it is exposed to light, which excites the neurons and makes the retina cells sensitive to light. The chemical eventually wears off, which makes it an alternative to more permanent experimental methods like stem cell therapies, and it is less invasive than implanting chips in the eye.
In clinical tests, blind mice injected with AAQ showed light avoidance and pupil contraction, and the team is currently working on developing improved versions of the chemical.
Image: Aneczka Bazant
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Nice worked But its improved
Posted by Mainu Din on July 29, 2012
mices eyes are smaller than human eyes
Posted by gar silver on July 31, 2012
can we get more info?
Posted by Henry Val on August 1, 2012
Our vision also requires that the neurons cycle on and off very quickly even in constant light so that we see changes in pixels with time. Opening the ion channels and keeping them open can be more like bleaching out the response. However it is likely these compounds can be varied to shift naturally between open and closed promoting state even in constant illumination, and if the equilibrium constant is in just the right place one could get some very useful time-responsive vision. Very interesting.
KPMitton
Posted by Kenneth Mitton on August 1, 2012
Yes mice eyes are small, but human eyes are thus much easier to work on and easier to inject. Rodent eyes are mostly filled with their optical lens, while in humans the vitreous humor takes up most of the interior eye volume and it is thus easier to inject and avoid hitting the lens or neural retina.
We do work with live imaging of mouse and rat eyes. You can see my website
Http://kenmitton.com
Posted by Kenneth Mitton on August 1, 2012
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Comments
Nice worked But its improved
Posted by Mainu Din on July 29, 2012
mices eyes are smaller than human eyes
Posted by gar silver on July 31, 2012
can we get more info?
Posted by Henry Val on August 1, 2012
Our vision also requires that the neurons cycle on and off very quickly even in constant light so that we see changes in pixels with time. Opening the ion channels and keeping them open can be more like bleaching out the response. However it is likely these compounds can be varied to shift naturally between open and closed promoting state even in constant illumination, and if the equilibrium constant is in just the right place one could get some very useful time-responsive vision. Very interesting.
KPMitton
Posted by Kenneth Mitton on August 1, 2012
Yes mice eyes are small, but human eyes are thus much easier to work on and easier to inject. Rodent eyes are mostly filled with their optical lens, while in humans the vitreous humor takes up most of the interior eye volume and it is thus easier to inject and avoid hitting the lens or neural retina.
We do work with live imaging of mouse and rat eyes. You can see my website
Http://kenmitton.com
Posted by Kenneth Mitton on August 1, 2012
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