RetiMINER Animal ERG and VEP System for Preclinical Research
The ENOCHTEC RetiMINER Animal is an animal ERG and VEP system for vision research. It combines the LightBurst flash stimulator on a 90° cantilever, an acrylic animal platform with a magnetic electrode holder and predefined protocols for pattern VEP, flash VEP, pattern ERG and flash ERG. The system is intended for research use.
Platform Designed for Animal Studies
- Acrylic animal platform with a slot for the supplied USB heated blanket, which keeps the body temperature of anaesthetised animals stable. The heating is not built into the platform, so a damaged or soiled blanket is easily replaced.
- Magnetic swivel electrode holder for quick, repeatable electrode placement. Angle and orientation can be adjusted to different eye positions while avoiding excessive corneal pressure, which could cause cataracts.
- 90° cantilever flash stimulator that positions the LightBurst over the eye of the animal. Lift the flash bowl to dilate pupils, anaesthetise and install electrodes under the dim red light inside the bowl, then lower it for the test; an embedded infrared camera monitors the animal and the electrodes.
- Electrodes supplied: two gold ring electrodes, one needle electrode and one tail clamp. For mice and rats the default set-up is the tail clamp as ground, the needle as reference (shared by both eyes) and the gold rings as working electrodes; for other animals and set-ups please contact us.
Species Supported
The standard platform and electrodes are designed for common laboratory animals such as mice and rats. The system is also used for beagles (customised product) and monkeys, and is suitable for recording ERG and VEP in pigs, rabbits, zebrafish and other animals. Predefined flash ERG protocols are provided for zebrafish, and custom protocols can be created for other species and study designs.
Predefined Protocols
| Protocol | Setting |
|---|---|
| Pattern VEP | Animal pattern reversal, 1° check size |
| Flash VEP | Predefined animal protocol |
| Pattern ERG | Predefined animal protocol |
| Flash ERG, dark-adapted | 0.001–100 |
| Flash ERG, light-adapted | 1–100 |
| Flash ERG, zebrafish | 0.01–10 |
Custom protocols can be created and saved, which suits long-running studies that need identical settings across animals and time points.
Stimulators
The LightBurst flash stimulator delivers 100 cd·s/m² in under 4 ms in white, red, green, blue and yellow, with ultraviolet as an option, a flash range of 0–1000 cd·s/m², a background of 0–3000 cd/m² and a stimulus frequency of 0.01–200 Hz. A pattern stimulator (0–250 cd/m², contrast above 98%) is optional for pattern ERG and pattern VEP and comes with a universal support bracket for adjusting its distance and angle to the eyes of the animal.
Host and Software
The computer and power supply are built into the host box, so no external computer is needed and wiring stays simple. A blackout cloth between the monitor and the animal platform keeps the room dark. The dark-toned software lets operators switch the test eye with one click during VEP, and animal numbers can be generated automatically by configurable rules.
For repeatable VEP recordings in mice, implanted active electrodes are recommended; please contact us for electrode preparation and recording methods.
Data Export for Research
Recordings can be exported as PDF reports, as DAT files (32-bit float) that open in Python, R, Igor and GraphPad, and as CSV, so waveforms can be analysed in the statistics software of your laboratory. DICOM connection is available as an option.
RetiMINER Models
| RetiMINER-P | RetiMINER-C | RetiMINER Animal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intended use | Clinical ERG, VEP and EOG | Clinical and research ERG, VEP and EOG | Animal ERG and VEP research |
| Design | All-in-one host | Separate stimulators on a movable motorized table | Animal platform with 90° cantilever flash stimulator |
| Flash stimulator | Built-in, 30 cd·s/m² | LightBurst, 100 cd·s/m² | LightBurst, 100 cd·s/m² |
| Pattern stimulator | Built-in | LCD | Optional |
| Test position | Single fixed position | Seated, lying or infant subjects; bedside use possible | Animal on the platform |
| Animal testing | — | Optional add-on | Dedicated system |
What Should Buyers Confirm Before Ordering?
Confirm the species and protocols needed, whether ultraviolet stimulation and a pattern stimulator are required, the electrode types and the data formats for your analysis. The final supply configuration is confirmed in the written quotation. Request a quotation for the RetiMINER Animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which animals can be tested?
The standard platform is designed for mice and rats. Beagles (customised), monkeys, pigs, rabbits, zebrafish and other animals are also suitable; please contact us about the electrode set-up for your species.
Can the body temperature of the animal be maintained?
Yes. The system comes with a USB heated blanket that sits in the slot of the acrylic platform and can be replaced easily if it is damaged or soiled.
Which data formats can I export?
PDF reports, DAT (32-bit float) and CSV. DAT files open in Python, R, Igor and GraphPad.
Is it for clinical use?
No. The RetiMINER Animal is a research system. For human testing see the RetiMINER-P and RetiMINER-C.
See the Visual Electrophysiology range for related systems.