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Biomedical subjects

M F Marmor

Publications and source records attributed to M F Marmor.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Acute effects of sildenafil on the electroretinogram and multifocal electroretinogram.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the acute effects of sildenafil (Viagra; Pfizer, Inc, New York, New York) on the electroretinogram and multifocal electroretinogram. METHODS: Eighteen healthy individuals (ages 21-49 years) were studied; 14 were given 200 mg sildenafil orally and four were given only water. All subjects were tested before sildenafil and 1 hour after sildenafil (or water) with a desaturated Panel D-15 color test, a full-field standard electroretinogram, and a multifocal electroretinogram using the VERIS system; five subjects were also tested 5 hours after sildenafil. RESULTS: Responses from the subjects who received sildenafil were compared with those from the control subjects. At 1 hour after sildenafil, photopic single-flash waveforms were attenuated by 9% and scotopic maximal response amplitudes were increased slightly. Photopic and 30-Hz flicker electroretinogram responses were delayed; multifocal electroretinogram waveforms were delayed (5%-9%) and attenuated (14%-22%) across the posterior pole. These changes did not resolve by 5 hours. Nine of the subjects who had received sildenafil (64%) reported visual or systemic symptoms, including one who reported bluish vision. Ten of those subjects (71%) showed a slight increase in color test errors 1 hour after sildenafil. CONCLUSIONS: For at least 5 hours after taking 200 mg of sildenafil, cone function was slightly depressed in the macula and periphery, as measured by full-field electroretinogram and multifocal electroretinogram recordings. However, the affected electroretinogram and multifocal electroretinogram parameters still remained within normal limits.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Pulsed electron avalanche knife (PEAK) for intraocular surgery.

PURPOSE: To develop a better and more economical instrument for precise, tractionless, "cold" cutting during intraocular surgery. The use of highly localized electric fields rather than laser light as the means of tissue dissection was investigated. METHODS: A high electric field at the tip of a fine wire can, like lasers, initiate plasma formation. Micrometer-length plasma streamers are generated when an insulated 25 micron (microm) wire, exposed to physiological medium at one end, is subjected to nanosecond electrical pulses between 1 and 8 kV in magnitude. The explosive evaporation of water in the vicinity of these streamers cuts soft tissue without heat deposition into surrounding material (cold cutting). Streamers of plasma and the dynamics of water evaporation were imaged using an inverted microscope and fast flash photography. Cutting effectiveness was evaluated on both polyacrylamide gels, on different tissues from excised bovine eyes, and in vivo on rabbit retina. Standard histology techniques were used to examine the tissue. RESULTS: Electric pulses with energies between 150 and 670 microJ produced plasma streamers in saline between 10 and 200 microm in length. Application of electric discharges to dense (10%) polyacrylamide gels resulted in fracturing of the gel without ejection of bulk material. In both dense and softer (6%) gels, layer by layer shaving was possible with pulse energy rather than number of pulses as the determinant of ultimate cutting depth. The instrument made precise partial or full-thickness cuts of retina, iris, lens, and lens capsule without any evidence of thermal damage. Because different tissues require distinct energies for dissection, tissue-selective cutting on complex structures can be performed if the appropriate pulse energies are used; for example, retina can be dissected without damage to the major retinal vessels. CONCLUSIONS: This instrument, called the Pulsed Electron Avalanche Knife (PEAK), can quickly and precisely cut intraocular tissues without traction. The small delivery probe and modest cost make it promising for many ophthalmic applications, including retinal, cataract, and glaucoma surgery. In addition, the instrument may be useful in nonophthalmic procedures such as intravascular surgery and neurosurgery.

Animals↗

Multifocal electroretinogram abnormalities persist following resolution of central serous chorioretinopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine results of the multifocal electroretinogram (MERG) after spontaneous resolution of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) detachments. METHODS: Multifocal electroretinograms were recorded from both eyes of 5 recovered patients with CSC and 10 age-matched healthy subjects. All patients with CSC had bilaterally subnormal MERG amplitudes during a first attack of CSC occuring 7 to 23 months earlier. RESULTS: After recovery from CSC, MERG A-wave and B-wave amplitudes increased markedly where the detachment resolved, and moderately elsewhere in the posterior pole of both eyes. However, the signals from both eyes remained either subnormal or low-normal relative to controls. Multifocal electroretinogram B-wave latencies improved from prolonged to mid-normal values in both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Both eyes of patients with active unilateral CSC exhibit diminished MERG amplitudes. Although MERG response amplitudes increased modestly after recovery from CSC, they remained statistically subnormal throughout the posterior pole of both eyes. These findings support the theory that subretinal fluid retention in CSC is secondary to diffuse pathologic changes in the choroid and/or retinal pigment epithelium. They also suggest that the underlying or predisposing abnormalities of CSC resolved only partially in our patients. Components of the MERG may have value as a prognostic tool for judging the risk of developing symptomatic CSC. Arch Ophthalmol. 2000;118:1211-1215

Adult↗

Inhibition of membrane-bound carbonic anhydrase enhances subretinal fluid absorption and retinal adhesiveness.

BACKGROUND: The clinical use of currently available carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitors is limited by systemic side-effects, thought to result from the inhibition of intracellular CA isoenzymes. This study investigates how benzolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor which does not readily penetrate cell membranes, modulates retinal pigment epithelium functions relative to acetazolamide, which diffuses into the cytosol. METHODS: Small retinal detachments were made in Dutch rabbits by injecting saline into the subretinal space. Detachment height was measured using a dual He-Ne beam YAG laser focusing system, and the fluid absorption rate was calculated before and after intravenous injections of saline, acetazolamide or benzolamide. Retinal adhesiveness was determined by peeling the retina from the RPE and measuring the amount of adherent pigment. RESULTS: The baseline fluid absorption rate of 0.04 microl/mm(2)/h was unchanged after injection of 0.9% NaCl or low-dose benzolamide (5 mg/kg). The absorption increased to about 0.14 microl/mm(2)/h after higher benzolamide doses (20-40 mg/kg) and to 0.13 microl/mm(2)/h after acetazolamide (20 mg/kg). Both acetazolamide and benzolamide significantly slowed the post-enucleation failure of retinal adhesiveness. CONCLUSION: Since benzolamide had effects similar to acetazolamide, inhibition of membrane-bound CA appears to be sufficient to enhance subretinal fluid absorption and retinal adhesiveness. Membrane-specific CA inhibitors may therefore be of clinical value if they minimize side-effects from intracellular CA inhibition.

Absorption↗

Standard for pattern electroretinography. International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision.

The pattern electroretinogram (PERG) is a retinal response evoked by viewing an alternating checkerboard or grating. It receives clinical and research attention because it can provide information about inner retinal cells and the macula. However, clinicians may have trouble choosing between different techniques for recording the PERG that have been described in the literature. The International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision has prepared a standard for a basic PERG recording procedure to aid new users in obtaining reliable responses and to encourage more uniformity among existing users.

Clinical Protocols↗

Acute effects of sildenafil (viagra) on blue-on-yellow and white-on-white Humphrey perimetry.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of sildenafil on blue-on-yellow and white-on-white Humphrey visual field (HVF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy subjects, ages 20 to 38 years, were prospectively randomized to active drug (n = 5) or placebo (n = 3) groups. Blue-on-yellow and white-on-white HVF testing was performed before and 1 hour after masked dosing of sildenafil 200 mg or placebo. Changes in mean deviation (MD) were compared between groups. RESULTS: Three of three placebo and four of five sildenafil subjects had no change on HVF. One of five sildenafil subjects had a decrease in MD of 17.9 dB and 4.7 dB on blue-on-yellow and white-on-white HVF testing, respectively. This subject reported more systemic side effects than other subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil has no effect on HVF testing in most persons; however, sildenafil caused an acute abnormality of HVF testing in one subject, who experienced pronounced non-visual systemic symptoms; this effect was greater on blue-on-yellow than white-on-white HVF.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

[The influence of experimental scotoma on multifocal electroretinogram].

PURPOSE: To detect the sensitivity and the repeatability of multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG). METHOD: The effects of experimental absolute and relative scotomas on mfERG with 103 hexagons were observed on 8 normal eyes. The scotomas were produced by simultaneous and multi located masks on the hexagons of the screen in 6 different locations with black paper, and the neutral filters of 0.3 and 0.6 log unit. The repeatability was evaluated by analysis the data from 5 unmasked hexagons in 4 successive tests. RESULTS: When the hexagons were 1/2 or wholly masked with the black paper and the two kinds of the filters, the amplitudes of N1 and P1 waves in these areas were significantly decreased as with the reduced transferability of light. When the hexagon was 1/3 masked, there were no significant differences between the different kinds of mask and the unmasked control. There were no significant changes in the datas from the selected unmasked hexagons in the 4 successive recordings. CONCLUSION: mfERG is an unique sensitive visual electrophysiological test with high sensitivity and good repeatability. When 103 hexagons stimulating pattern is used, it could detect the scotoma larger than 1/3 of each hexagon.

Adult↗

Central serous chorioretinopathy: bilateral multifocal electroretinographic abnormalities.

OBJECTIVES: To assess retinal function topographically in the posterior pole of affected and fellow eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Multifocal electroretinograms (MERGs) were recorded from 6 patient with active central serous chorioretinopathy and 5 normal control subjects. Two patients also had full-field conventional ERGs. The MERG responses were averaged in rings radiating out from the foveal center. RESULTS: All of the patients had central macular detachments in the affected eyes, while the fellow eyes were normal except for a few small retinal pigment epithelial abnormalities. The MERG was not only depressed in areas of detachment as expected, but was also reduced beyond the area of detachment in affected eyes and throughout the posterior pole of the fellow eyes. Full-field ERGs were normal. CONCLUSIONS: The MERG findings show that there is broad retinal functional disturbance in central serous chorioretinopathy involving both eyes and areas beyond the zone of detachment. These data strongly suggest that diffuse and possibly systemic pathologic conditions underlie this disease and that the leak itself may be a somewhat incidental event. The MERG may prove useful as a clinical marker for susceptibility to serous detachment.

Adult↗

The training of George K. Kambara, MD.

George K. Kambara has been a leader in ophthalmic education and practice on the West Coast. His choice of ophthalmology arose in part because of his experience running an eye, ear, nose, and throat clinic while interned as a Japanese American during World War II. His training took him from San Francisco, to the Tule Lake Relocation Center, to the Memphis Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, to the University of Wisconsin, and eventually back to Los Angeles. He saw both sides of discrimination, as a Japanese American in California and as a "white" in the South. He was turned down for positions that he should have had based on his education, but he was also supported by many individuals who put aside public fears to help him. His story shows a triumph of the spirit, but is also a reminder of dark times that should not be forgotten.

Asian↗

Progressive confluent circumpapillary multiple evanescent white-dot syndrome.

PURPOSE: To describe a morphologic variant of the multiple evanescent white-dot syndrome that can mimic other conditions. METHODS: We examined three patients with severe cases of unilateral multiple evanescent white-dot syndrome characterized by an atypical progressive circumpapillary discoloration of the fundus. RESULTS: The confluent circumpapillary lesion progressed toward or beyond the equator of the fundus, raising initial concern of a viral retinitis. However, pinpoint dots at the leading edge evolved into the typical wreath-like spots of multiple evanescent white-dot syndrome, which then coalesced into the advancing edge of a geographic retinitis or retinal pigment epitheliitis, before spontaneous resolution. CONCLUSION: Progressive geographic circumpapillary discoloration, appearing as a giant white spot, occurs rarely in severe cases of multiple evanescent white-dot syndrome. The distinctive appearance may suggest a disorder other than multiple evanescent white-dot syndrome, which can make initial diagnosis more difficult and lead to unnecessary or inappropriate testing and treatment.

Adult↗

Mechanisms of fluid accumulation in retinal edema.

This paper reviews the anatomic and physiologic conditions which predispose to fluid accumulation within the retina. Retinal edema has its inception in disease that causes a breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier in retinal capillaries and/or the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Edema develops not only because protein and fluid enter the extracellular space, but because the external limiting membrane and the convoluted extracellular pathway within the retina limit the clearance of albumin and other large osmotically-active molecules. These molecules bind water to cause edema. Recognition of edema clinically is complicated by the facts that angiographic markers (fluorescein and ICG) do not match albumin in size, and that clinical leakage does not always correlate closely with tissue swelling or functional loss. Active water transport across the RPE is efficient at removing subretinal water, but the flow resistance of the retina limits RPE access to the water of retinal edema. Consideration of the pathophysiology of retinal edema may aid in the development of better strategies for managing retinal edema.

Animals↗

Topography of cone electrophysiology in the enhanced S cone syndrome.

PURPOSE: To investigate the topography of cone electroretinographic (ERG) responses in the enhanced S cone syndrome (ESCS). METHODS: A 19-year-old female with ESCS who was one of the original cases defining the syndrome was studied. Full-field, focal (Maculoscope) and multifocal (VERIS) ERGs were performed using white light. Multifocal ERG responses were also generated with red and blue stimuli and with a slow m-sequence to elicit off-responses. Results were analyzed by averaging data in rings at increasing eccentricity from the fovea and compared to data recorded identically from a normal subject. RESULTS: The full-field ERG from this patient showed typ ical large slow photopic waveforms and was unchanged from recordings made 9 years earlier. The focal ERG showed signals of borderline low amplitude from the fovea with the multifocal ERG, the ESCS responses from the central macula had a relatively normal waveform, and those 9 degrees to 20 degrees from fixation showed the prolonged wave-form that characterizes the full-field ERG. Responses were larger to blue light than red light in ESCS in both center and periphery. The central ESCS responses were relatively normal in timing to both red and blue light, whereas the peripheral ESCS responses were markedly delayed to both. Off-responses were seen in ESCS only near the foveal center. CONCLUSIONS: The marked differences between central and peripheral ERG responses in ESCS suggest that there are different distributions of S, L, and M cones in these regions and that S cones may feed into different neural pathways in the center and periphery. It was postulated that in ESCS, S cones may partially replace L and M cones centrally and feed into the usual S cone pathways. In the periphery, however, there is little L and M cone b-wave activity in ESCS, and S cones may usurp both the space and neural pathways of the rods.

Adult↗