Neurite outgrowth in retinal ganglion cell culture.

Retinal ganglion cells (RGC) are the projection neurons of the eye. The RGC is the primary cell type injured in a variety of diseases of the optic nerve, including glaucoma and optic neuritis. The most well-established extrinsic signal of RGC survival and axonal outgrowth is the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor. An immunopurification system has been adapted in order to filter large enough quantities of RGCs from the mixed population of retinal neurons in order to perform high-throughput screening in a 96-well format. Using this assay, the screening of a combinatorial chemical library for compounds with a similar effect to brain-derived neurotrophic factor may be preformed. Follow-up validation studies are performed by evaluating for a dose-response relationship.