In vivo models
Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) is an acute ischemic injury of the optic nerve head, leading to irreversible vision loss (Berry et al., 2017). The technique of Rose Bengal–induced photothrombosis was first introduced by Mosinger et al. (1989) to model retinal ischemia. This approach was later adapted by Bernstein et al. (2003) to develop the first rodent NAION model by targeting the optic nerve head with laser after systemic dye injection. The resulting pathology includes optic nerve edema, inflammation, and rapid loss of retinal ganglion cells (Guo et al., 2016). The model is induced unilaterally, with a typical follow-up of 2 weeks.
Experimentica employs state-of-the-art in vivo imaging for longitudinal monitoring of NAION pathology. SD-OCT enables cross-sectional visualization of the optic nerve head and retina to assess edema and retinal layer thinning (Ragauskas et al., 2018). Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function is evaluated using pattern electroretinography (pERG), visual acuity and contrast sensitivity (OMR). RGC loss is confirmed by immunolabeling in retinal flatmounts, and optic nerve damage is assessed through histological sectioning and staining.
Technical details
Rat
Rose Bengal intravenous injection and lasering of optic nerve head area
2 weeks
– Quantitative data from in vivo imaging and AI-driven segmentation analysis (SD-OCT)
– Functional assessment (ERG, VEP)
– Behavioral assessment (visual acuity and contrast sensitivity)
– Quantitative estimation of RGCs (stereology)
– Optic nerve evaluation
Highlights of this model
Well-characterized and reproducible
Laser-induced model using Rose Bengal with consistent onset and progression.
Comprehensive assessment
Multiple imaging sessions (SD-OCT), functional testing (pERG), and histology allow reliable evaluation.
Unbiased analysis
Quantitative readouts enabled by proprietary AI-driven algorithms.
References
- Bernstein SL, Guo Y, Kelman SE, Flower RW, Johnson MA. Functional and Cellular Responses in a Novel Rodent Model of Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003 Oct 1;44(10):4153–62.
- Mosinger JL, Olney JW. Photothrombosis-induced ischemic neuronal degeneration in the rat retina. Exp Neurol. 1989 Jul;105(1):110–3.
- Berry S, Lin WV, Sadaka A, Lee AG. Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: cause, effect, and management. Eye Brain. 2017 Sep 27;9:23.
- Guo Y, Mehrabian Z, Bernstein SL. The Rodent Model of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (rNAION). J Vis Exp JoVE. 2016 Nov 20;(117):54504.
Download model details
Interested to learn more? Submit the form below, and we will send you a detailed description of the disease model by email. Your information will not be added to any mailing lists or used for marketing purposes.
"*" indicates required fields
We are here to help
Whether you have a question about our preclinical models, capabilities, pricing or anything else, our team is ready to answer all your inquiries.
Related services
Optomotor Reflex
Experimentica offers behavioral assessment and optomotor response testing to evaluate visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in rodent models.
Learn moreAI for image analysis
AI-driven image analysis for in vivo studies, delivering faster, unbiased results and deeper insights for your preclinical ocular programs.
Learn morePattern Electroretinography
Pattern ERG is a non-invasive method to assess retinal ganglion cell function and monitor dysfunction in preclinical eye disease models.
Learn moreCheck out our latest news and activities
All News
