EAGER: Neural Plasticity Driven by Electrical Stimulation of the Retina

在这个EAGER提案中，他们将进行初步实验，研究植入视网膜的盲人和视网膜变性动物模型的神经可塑性。他们期望这些初步的实验将建立实验技术和数据分析方法，以便在视力恢复的基础神经科学基础上进行重要的、开创性的研究。目的是：1：评估通过Argus II视网膜假体传递的视网膜电刺激的皮层表征；2：评估与视网膜假体使用相关的皮质可塑性；3 .利用慢性刺激测量视网膜变性动物模型的神经可塑性。这些目标的成功完成将证明一套核心技术的可行性，这些技术对促进视网膜假体的发展和对植入受体皮质可塑性的理解具有基础和变革性。

1353018WeilandIn this EAGER proposal, they will conduct initial experiments to study neural plasticity in both blind humans with retinal implants and in animal models of retinal degeneration. They expect that these initial experiments will establish the experimental techniques and data analysis methods needed to conduct important, ground-breaking studies on the basic neuroscience underlying sight restoration. The objectives are: 1: Assess cortical representations of electrical retinal stimulations delivered via the Argus II retinal prosthesis; 2: Assess cortical plasticity associated with retinal prosthesis use; and 3: Measure neural plasticity in an animal model of retinal degeneration using chronic stimulation.Successful completion of these objectives will demonstrate feasibility of a set of core techniques that are foundational and transformative for advancing the development of retinal prostheses and the understanding of cortical plasticity in implant recipients.