ARS | Publication request: New potentials in TSE diagnostics

Submitted to: International Veterinary Vaccines and Diagnostics Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 19, 2009
Publication Date: July 19, 2009
Citation: Greenlee, J.J., Smith, J.D., Greenlee, M.S. 2009. New potentials in TSE diagnostics [abstract]. International Veterinary Vaccines and Diagnostics Conference. p. 42.

Technical Abstract: Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are progressive, invariably fatal neurological diseases that occur in animals and humans. TSEs are characterized by the accumulation of an abnormal protease resistant form of the prion protein (PrP**Sc) in the central nervous system, including retina. The objective of this work was to identify and characterize functional and morphologic abnormalities in the retinas of cattle and sheep with TSEs using electroretinography and immunohistochemistry.TSE-affected cattle and sheep have altered retinal function as demonstrated by decreased electroretinogram (ERG) b-wave amplitude. Functional abnormalities in preclinical cattle include prolonged implicit time of the ERG b-wave. These functional findings correlate well with altered retinal cell morphology (rod bipolar cells and Müller glia) in the corresponding retinas. Electroretinography may have potential as a new screening strategy for TSEs. We will continue to use the visual system to investigate new techniques for antemortem TSE diagnosis.