Retinal degeneration in the delayed amelanotic (DAM) chicken: an electroretinographic study

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Abstract
The retinal function of the delayed amelanotic (DAM) chicken that has progressive retinal degeneration, was investigated electroretinographically (ERG). Subjects showing a gradation of abnormalities of retinal morphology and impairment of visual behaviors were tested. Dark-adapted a-, b-, and c-wave response to full-field stimuli were studied. The more severe the anatomical abnormalities, the greater the compromise of sensitivity and amplitude of ERG responses. The DAM disease appears to affect c-waves more than a-waves, and a-waves more than b-waves. Dark-adapted responses are affected more than light-adapted responses. In DAM with moderately to severely impaired visual behaviors, ERG studies should permit analysis of the distal retinal pathophysiology caused by this disease.