The characteristics of multifocal electroretinogram in isolated perfused porcine eye: cellular contributions to the in vitro porcine mfERG.

We investigated characteristics of multifocal electroretinograms (mfERG) from in vitro perfused porcine eyes. TTX, NMDA, APB, and PDA were used to identify contributions to the mfERG from inner retinal neurons, ON-pathway, OFF-pathway, and photoreceptors. The cellular contributions of the first-order kernel (K1) in an isolated perfused porcine mfERG came from both inner and outer retina, and were similar to those of in vivo porcine mfERG. In addition, application of isoflurane and propofol caused interference with the mfERG response which resembled inner retinal activities sensitive to TTX + NMDA application. Improved understanding of the cellular origins of the perfused porcine mfERG, in the absence of anesthetic agents, is useful for identifying changes shown in the waveform under anesthesia.