Establishment of the mild, moderate and severe dry eye models using three methods in rabbits

Abstract

BackgroundDry eye (DE) is a common eye disease, and appropriate animal models are essential to explore the pathogenesis and therapy of DE. In this study, we aimed to establish rabbit models by three methods.MethodsIn group A, the lacrimal gland, Harderian gland, and nictitating membrane of the left eyes were surgically removed. In group B, the bulbar conjunctiva of the left eyes was burned with 50% trichloroacetic acid. In group C, both methods above were used. The right eyes served as normal controls. The Schirmer I test (SIt), fluorescein staining, and impression cytology were evaluated at baseline and on days 28, 42, and 56.ResultsBoth the SIt and goblet cell density were significantly lower in operated eyes compared to the control eyes, while the corneal fluorescein staining scores in the operated eyes were significantly higher than in the control eyes on days 28, 42, and 56 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 or p < 0.001). The SIt and goblet cell densities in groups B and C were significantly lower than group A on days 28, 42, and 56 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 or p < 0.001). In addition, the corneal fluorescein staining scores in group C were significantly higher than either group A or group B on days 28, 42, and 56, while fluorescein staining scores were higher in group B than group A on days 42 and 56 days (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 or p < 0.001), with mean score 3.8 ± 1.30 (group A), 7.4 ± 1.14 (group B) and 10.8 ± 1.30 (group C) on day 56.ConclusionsResults suggest that three separate DE models, with mild, moderate, and severe manifestations of DE, could be stably established, in which conjunctival goblet cells took an important role.

TFOS DEWS II Tear Film Report

“…Three rabbit dry eye models for mild (lacrimal gland and nictitating membrane removal), moderate (conjunctival burn with 50% trichloroacetic acid), and severe manifestations of dry eye (combination of both methods), have been developed [578]. However, there is a lack of studies analyzing tear instability in these models [579].…”

Histological, histochemical and fine structure studies of the lacrimal gland and superficial gland of the third eyelid and their significance on the proper function of the eyeball in alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

“…Their participation in the construction of the gland in addition with the lymph nodules of the third eyelid is important in building local eye immunity. The gland of the third eyelid with LG is important in pathogenesis of dry eye also referred to as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which is a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface that cause discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability, which can potentially damage the ocular surface [26].…”

Animal models to assess the therapeutic efficacy of human serum and serum-converted platelet lysates for dry eye syndrome: Seeing is believing

“…Li et al [20] used three methods to create DESrabbits, including lacrimal gland removal and bulbar conjunctiva alteration using trichloroacetic acid, leading to DES-rabbits exhibiting mild, moderate, or severe manifestations. However, the extent and features of DES manifestations are influenced by the surgical skills exhibited during operations.…”