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The objectives of this project are to evaluate the retina and visual function as a way to detect infection with transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: There is great interest in preventing any animal infected with a TSE into the human food supply. Currently there is no test to rapidly screen animals for TSE infection prior to slaughter. This project evaluates the effects of TSE infection on retinal appearance and function. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the retina as a potential organ to screen for TSE infection.
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APPROACH: Immunohistochemical, histopathological and physiological evalulation of the retina of animals experimentally infected with transmisible spongiform encephalopathies will be used to deterimine if the retina is an appropriate organ to screen for TSE infection.