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Nguyen VP, Song J, Prieskorn D, Zou J, Li Y, Dolan D, Xu J, Zhang J, Jayasundera KT, Yang J, Raphael Y, Khan N, Iannuzzi M, Bisgaier C, Chen YE, Paulus YM, Yang D. USH2A Gene Mutations in Rabbits Lead to Progressive Retinal Degeneration and Hearing Loss. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:26. [PMID: 36795064 PMCID: PMC9940772 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.2.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Mutations in USH2A gene are responsible for the greatest proportion of the Usher Syndrome (USH) population, among which more than 30% are frameshift mutations on exon 13. A clinically relevant animal model has been absent for USH2A-related vision loss. Here we sought to establish a rabbit model carrying USH2A frameshift mutation on exon 12 (human exon 13 equivalent). Methods CRISPR/Cas9 reagents targeting the rabbit USH2A exon 12 were delivered into rabbit embryos to produce an USH2A mutant rabbit line. The USH2A knockout animals were subjected to a series of functional and morphological analyses, including acoustic auditory brainstem responses, electroretinography, optical coherence tomography, fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Results The USH2A mutant rabbits exhibit hyper-autofluorescent signals on fundus autofluorescence and hyper-reflective signals on optical coherence tomography images as early as 4 months of age, which indicate retinal pigment epithelium damage. Auditory brainstem response measurement in these rabbits showed moderate to severe hearing loss. Electroretinography signals of both rod and cone function were decreased in the USH2A mutant rabbits starting from 7 months of age and further decreased at 15 to 22 months of age, indicating progressive photoreceptor degeneration, which is confirmed by histopathological examination. Conclusions Disruption of USH2A gene in rabbits is sufficient to induce hearing loss and progressive photoreceptor degeneration, mimicking the USH2A clinical disease. Translational Relevance To our knowledge, this study presents the first mammalian model of USH2 showing the phenotype of retinitis pigmentosa. This study supports the use of rabbits as a clinically relevant large animal model to understand the pathogenesis and to develop novel therapeutics for Usher syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Phuc Nguyen
- W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jun Song
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Diane Prieskorn
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Junhuang Zou
- John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Utah Medical School, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Yanxiu Li
- W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David Dolan
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jie Xu
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - K. Thiran Jayasundera
- W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jun Yang
- John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Utah Medical School, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Yehoash Raphael
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Naheed Khan
- W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Y. Eugene Chen
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yannis M. Paulus
- W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dongshan Yang
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Asakawa K, Imai M, Ohta M, Kawata N, Kawatsu N, Ishikawa H. Pupil assessment with a new handheld pupillometer in healthy subjects. Int Ophthalmol 2023; 43:51-61. [PMID: 35821362 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-022-02387-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the pupil response with a new handheld pupillometer in healthy subjects. METHODS Sixty-four eyes of 32 healthy subjects (mean age 21.2 years) were tested. After dark adaptation for 10 min, pupil responses to 1 s red and blue light stimuli at 100 cd/m2 were measured in the order from right to left eyes with a 1 min interval. The initial pupil size (D1, mm), minimum pupil size (D2, mm), and constriction rate (CR, %) were obtained. Intra-examiner reproducibility was examined using the coefficient of variation (CV, %) and the Bland-Altman plot. Inter-examiner consistency was examined using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the agreements with a conventional device, by Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). RESULTS The CV of all parameters have high reproducibility in the red (11.0-20.7%) and blue (5.5-12.1%) light stimuli. Bland-Altman plot analysis showed no bias with both light stimuli. "Almost perfect" and "substantial" correlations between the examiners were obtained in the red (ICC = 0.78-0.94) and blue (ICC = 0.71-0.89) light stimuli. "Excellent" and "good" correlations between the devices were obtained, except for the CR parameter in the red (D1: r = 0.90; p < 0.001, D2: 0.72; p < 0.001, and CR: 0.08; p = 0.631, respectively) and blue (D1: r = 0.87; p < 0.001, D2: 0.70; p < 0.001, and CR: 0.19; p = 0.274, respectively) light stimuli. CONCLUSION The novel pupillometer is useful for assessing pupil response. However, because of their different constructions, the CR values cannot be compared directly between the devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Asakawa
- Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan.
| | - Mei Imai
- Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan
| | - Mizuki Ohta
- Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan
| | - Naomi Kawata
- Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan
| | - Nanako Kawatsu
- Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ishikawa
- Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan
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Xu J, Zhang J, Yang D, Song J, Pallas B, Zhang C, Hu J, Peng X, Christensen ND, Han R, Chen YE. Gene Editing in Rabbits: Unique Opportunities for Translational Biomedical Research. Front Genet 2021; 12:642444. [PMID: 33584832 PMCID: PMC7876448 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.642444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The rabbit is a classic animal model for biomedical research, but the production of gene targeted transgenic rabbits had been extremely challenging until the recent advent of gene editing tools. More than fifty gene knockout or knock-in rabbit models have been reported in the past decade. Gene edited (GE) rabbit models, compared to their counterpart mouse models, may offer unique opportunities in translational biomedical research attributed primarily to their relatively large size and long lifespan. More importantly, GE rabbit models have been found to mimic several disease pathologies better than their mouse counterparts particularly in fields focused on genetically inherited diseases, cardiovascular diseases, ocular diseases, and others. In this review we present selected examples of research areas where GE rabbit models are expected to make immediate contributions to the understanding of the pathophysiology of human disease, and support the development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xu
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Dongshan Yang
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jun Song
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Brooke Pallas
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Chen Zhang
- Biomedical Sciences and Biophysics Graduate Program, Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jiafen Hu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Xuwen Peng
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Neil D Christensen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Renzhi Han
- Biomedical Sciences and Biophysics Graduate Program, Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Y Eugene Chen
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Pfeiffer RL, Marc RE, Jones BW. Persistent remodeling and neurodegeneration in late-stage retinal degeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 74:100771. [PMID: 31356876 PMCID: PMC6982593 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Retinal remodeling is a progressive series of negative plasticity revisions that arise from retinal degeneration, and are seen in retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration and other forms of retinal disease. These processes occur regardless of the precipitating event leading to degeneration. Retinal remodeling then culminates in a late-stage neurodegeneration that is indistinguishable from progressive central nervous system (CNS) proteinopathies. Following long-term deafferentation from photoreceptor cell death in humans, and long-lived animal models of retinal degeneration, most retinal neurons reprogram, then die. Glial cells reprogram into multiple anomalous metabolic phenotypes. At the same time, survivor neurons display degenerative inclusions that appear identical to progressive CNS neurodegenerative disease, and contain aberrant α-synuclein (α-syn) and phosphorylated α-syn. In addition, ultrastructural analysis indicates a novel potential mechanism for misfolded protein transfer that may explain how proteinopathies spread. While neurodegeneration poses a barrier to prospective retinal interventions that target primary photoreceptor loss, understanding the progression and time-course of retinal remodeling will be essential for the establishment of windows of therapeutic intervention and appropriate tuning and design of interventions. Finally, the development of protein aggregates and widespread neurodegeneration in numerous retinal degenerative diseases positions the retina as a ideal platform for the study of proteinopathies, and mechanisms of neurodegeneration that drive devastating CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Pfeiffer
- Dept of Ophthalmology, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Robert E Marc
- Dept of Ophthalmology, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bryan William Jones
- Dept of Ophthalmology, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Asakawa K, Ito A, Kobayashi H, Iwai A, Ito C, Ishikawa H. Adaptation time, electroretinography, and pupillography in healthy subjects. Doc Ophthalmol 2019; 139:33-44. [PMID: 30937682 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-019-09693-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between adaptation time and the parameters of electroretinography (ERG) and pupillography in healthy subjects. METHODS Forty-six eyes of 23 healthy women (mean age 21.7 years) were enrolled. ERG and pupillography were tested in each of the right and left 23 eyes, respectively. ERG with a skin electrode was used to determine amplitude and implicit time by the records of rod-, flash-, cone-, and flicker-responses with white light (0.01-30 cd s/m2). Infrared pupillography was used to record the pupillary light reflex to 1-s stimulation of red light (100 cd/m2). Cone- and flicker- (rod-, flash- and pupil) responses were recorded after light (dark) adaptation at 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. RESULTS Amplitude (µV) was significantly different between 1 min and ≥ 5 or ≥ 10 min after adaptation in b-wave of cone- or rod-response, respectively. Implicit time (ms) differed significantly between 1 min and ≥ 5 min after adaptation with b-wave of cone- and rod-response. There were significant differences between 1 min and ≥ 10 or ≥ 5 min after dark adaptation in parameter of minimum pupil diameter (mm) or constriction rate (%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Cone-driven ERG can be recorded, even in 5 min of light adaptation time without any special light condition, whereas rod-driven ERG and pupillary response results can be obtained in 10 min or longer of dark adaptation time in complete darkness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Asakawa
- Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan.
| | - Akari Ito
- Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan
| | - Hinako Kobayashi
- Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan
| | - Aya Iwai
- Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan
| | - Chihiro Ito
- Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ishikawa
- Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan
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New Mydriasis-Free Electroretinogram Recorded with Skin Electrodes in Healthy Subjects. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:8539747. [PMID: 28713831 PMCID: PMC5496106 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8539747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the reproducibility and consistency of the new mydriasis-free electroretinogram (ERG) with a skin electrode (RETeval) device, to determine the normative values of parameters, and to clarify the usefulness of pupil records to colored-light stimulus. Methods A total of 100 eyes of 50 healthy subjects (mean age, 21.4 years) were enrolled. The diagnostic parameters obtained by the RETeval device were examined under the following conditions. The reproducibility was determined with the coefficient of variation (CV). The consistency was examined by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The mean value and the normal range were analyzed with a 95% confidence interval as the normative values of parameters. The correlation of parameters to pupil records (area ratio, constriction ratio) and flicker ERG was also examined in the diabetic retinopathy assessment protocol. Results From the CV for each of the two measurements, the amplitude has a low reproducibility compared with the implicit time. Generally good consistency was obtained with both ERG parameters (ICCs = 0.48–0.92). Moderate correlations were found for the white-, red-, and blue-light stimulus in the area ratio and the constriction ratio, respectively (r = 0.44–0.62; P = 0.010–<0.0001). No correlation was observed between pupil and flicker parameters (r = 0.06–0.34; P = 0.646–0.051). Conclusions The RETeval device was suggested as a possible screening device to detect the visual afferent diseases by evaluating in combination with the ERG recording and the colored-light pupil response.
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Asakawa K, Ishikawa H, Uga S, Mashimo K, Kondo M, Terasaki H. Histopathological Changes of Inner Retina, Optic Disc, and Optic Nerve in Rabbit with Advanced Retinitis Pigmentosa. Neuroophthalmology 2016; 40:286-291. [PMID: 27928420 DOI: 10.1080/01658107.2016.1229339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We observed the histopathological changes of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), optic disc, and optic nerve in rabbit with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Wild-type (WT) and rhodopsin transgenic (Tg) of RP rabbits were used at age 24 months. Light and electron microscopy were used to observe the retina, optic disc, and optic nerve. RGCs were also confirmed by immunofluorescent staining with a TUJ-1 monoclonal antibody. In addition to the rod and cone degeneration, we observed the astrocyte infiltration of the optic disc due to the damage of small RGCs and nerve fibres and atrophy of small optic nerve fibres. They subsequently lead to the optic disc excavation and atrophy of the optic nerve. Consequently, our histopathological study clarified that not only the outer retina but also the inner retina, the optic disc, and the optic nerve were also affected in the late stages of RP rabbit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Asakawa
- Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University , Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ishikawa
- Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shigekazu Uga
- Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kimiyo Mashimo
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Kitasato University , Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mineo Kondo
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Mie University Graduate School , Mie, Japan
| | - Hiroko Terasaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School , Nagoya, Japan
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Satou T, Ishikawa H, Asakawa K, Goseki T, Shimizu K. Effects of Ripasudil Hydrochloride Hydrate Instillation on Pupil Dynamics. Curr Eye Res 2016; 42:54-57. [PMID: 27249066 DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2016.1148740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the effects of instillation of ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate (GLANATEC®) on pupil dynamics. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fourteen healthy participants (mean age: 30 years), who had no ophthalmic diseases other than refractive error, were enrolled in this study. A single dose of GLANATEC® was instilled into the left eye only. The pupillary response was measured before and 30 and 120 min after instillation; we also measured intraocular pressure (IOP) at the same time points. RESULTS The IOP in the left eye was significantly lower at both 30 (p < 0.05) and 120 (p < 0.01) min after instillation than at baseline, whereas that in the right eye was not significantly different from baseline at either of the measured post-instillation time points. In contrast, the pupillary response did not significantly differ between the three time points. CONCLUSIONS A single instillation of low concentration GLANATEC® may have no effect on pupil diameter and pupillary response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Satou
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Kitasato University School of Medicine , Sagamihara , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ishikawa
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Kitasato University School of Medicine , Sagamihara , Kanagawa , Japan.,b Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science , Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences , Sagamihara , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Ken Asakawa
- b Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science , Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences , Sagamihara , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Toshiaki Goseki
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Kitasato University School of Medicine , Sagamihara , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Kimiya Shimizu
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Kitasato University School of Medicine , Sagamihara , Kanagawa , Japan
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