Clinical Electrophysiology of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Overview

Journal Doc Ophthalmol

Specialty Ophthalmology

Date 1991 Jan 1

PMID 1935538

Citations 9

Authors

M F Marmor

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

There is no ideal electrophysiological test for retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) function. The light-induced responses (EOG, c-wave, fast oscillation) that require photoreception are not pure RPE signals, and even the widely-used EOG has not been associated with any specific physiological disturbance of the RPE or retina. The discovery of non-photic RPE responses (hyperosmolarity, acetazolamide and bicarbonate) has enhanced the possibility of finding tissue-specific RPE tests, but these responses have yet to be correlated with specific RPE functional activity or pathology. We may face a dilemma in our search for RPE tests, insofar as electrophysiology measures membrane changes, but RPE membrane activity is related only indirectly to many functions of the RPE cell. These concerns notwithstanding, RPE electrophysiology can be a valuable clinical tool if one accounts for the physiological limitations and assets of the procedures.

Citing Articles

The retinal pigment epithelium in health and disease.

Sparrow J, Hicks D, Hamel C Curr Mol Med. 2010; 10(9):802-23.

PMID: 21091424 PMC: 4120883. DOI: 10.2174/156652410793937813.

Light-evoked responses of the retinal pigment epithelium: changes accompanying photoreceptor loss in the mouse.

Samuels I, Sturgill G, Grossman G, Rayborn M, Hollyfield J, Peachey N J Neurophysiol. 2010; 104(1):391-402.

PMID: 20484527 PMC: 2904221. DOI: 10.1152/jn.00088.2010.

Light and alcohol evoked electro-oculograms in cystic fibrosis.

Constable P, Lawrenson J, Arden G Doc Ophthalmol. 2006; 113(2):133-43.

PMID: 17021906 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-006-9023-z.

Alcohol- and light-induced electro-oculographic responses in age-related macular degeneration & central serous chorioretinopathy. alcohol- and light-induced EOG responses in ARMD & CSC.

Wu K, Marmor M Doc Ophthalmol. 2005; 110(2-3):237-46.

PMID: 16328932 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-005-0649-z.

Alcohol- and light-induced electro-oculographic responses: variability and clinical utility.

Marmor M, Wu K Doc Ophthalmol. 2005; 110(2-3):227-36.

PMID: 16328931 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-005-0648-0.

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