Neuroprotective Effect of Photoactive Quantum Dots in Progressive Retinal Photoreceptor Degeneration

Neuroprotective Effect of Photoactive Quantum Dots in Progressive Retinal Photoreceptor Degeneration

Background:

To determine the effect of intraocularly administered photoactive quantum dots in a rodent model of progressive photoreceptor degeneration.

Methods: The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat model of progressive photoreceptor degeneration was used for this study. Twenty eyes of ten animals were divided into four groups: active implant, inactive implant, sham surgery, and control group. The active and inactive implant group received a single intravitreal injection of photoactive quantum dots conjugated with biotin. The sham surgery group received an intravitreal injection of balanced saline solution, and the control group underwent no surgical procedure. All procedures were done at week six of life and weekly electroretinograms (ERG) recorded for the following six weeks.

Results: Both the control and sham surgery groups demonstrated a progressive decline in the amplitude of the ERG recordings over the six weeks post-procedure. In contrast, the eyes receiving intravitreal photoactive quantum dots demonstrated transient, but statistically significant increases in retinal electrical activity postinjection.

Conclusions: The observed increase in retinal electrical activity following intravitreal injection of photoactive quantum dots in the RCS rat model suggests a potential therapeutic role for this technology in progressive retinal degenerations.