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Ocular lesions in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits
Mami Kouchi1, Yoshinaka Ueda, Hiroshi Horie
1Toxicology Group, Safety Research Laboratories, Dainippon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, 33-94 Enokicho, Suita, Osaka, 564-0053, Japan. mami-kouchi@dainippon-pharm.co.jp
Veterinary Ophthalmology
|April 26, 2006
Summary
Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits show ocular lesions due to high cholesterol. Lipid deposits in the cornea, iris, and ciliary body were observed, with more severe, undetected lesions in the choroid and sclera.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Veterinary Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hyperlipidemia can cause ocular complications.
- Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits are a model for studying lipid disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and characterize ocular lesions in hyperlipidemic WHHL rabbits.
- To investigate the distribution and severity of lipid deposition in the eyes of WHHL rabbits.
Main Methods:
- Ophthalmoscopic examination of 8-month-old male WHHL rabbits.
- Histopathological analysis of ocular tissues (cornea, iris, ciliary body, choroid, sclera).
Main Results:
- Ophthalmoscopically visible yellowish-white lesions were noted at the corneoscleral junction and in the iris.
- Histopathology revealed foamy macrophages in the cornea, iris, and ciliary body, consistent with lipid keratopathy.
- Extensive, undetected foamy macrophage clusters were found in the choroid and sclera, indicating more significant lipidosis at these sites.
Conclusions:
- WHHL rabbits develop ocular lesions associated with serum hyperlipidemia.
- Lipidosis is more prominent and likely occurs earlier in the choroid and sclera than in the cornea, iris, and ciliary body of WHHL rabbits.