Evaluation of ocular surface changes in a rabbit dry eye model using a modified impression cytology technique
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Published on: January 8, 2020
Dilek Dursun Altinors1, Simge Bozbeyoglu, Gulten Karabay
1Department of Ophthalmology, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey. dilek.dursun@gmail.com
Purpose:
To evaluate the ocular surface changes in a rabbit dry eye model by using a modified impression cytology technique.
Methods:
Nitrocellulose filter paper with a pore diameter of 0.45 microm was used to collect the specimens from 12 rabbits that were injected with atropine every day for 3 days. Filter papers were kept in distilled water overnight and then dried to increase cell pickup. Samples were stained with periodic acid-Schiff. The mean temporal and superior bulbar conjunctival goblet cell densities were counted. The data were compared with transmission (ocular surface) and scanning electron microscopic (filter paper) examination of the ocular surface.
Results:
In the acute stage of atropine injection, there was not a major change in the goblet cell count. Although the goblet cell distribution was variable over the ocular surface, the average cell density was 55.4+/-22 in the superior quadrant and 69.2+/-9 in the temporal quadrant. In the 3-day atropine-injection group, there was a marked decrease in goblet cells, and there was mucin accumulation rather than accumulation of the goblet cells. No morphologic differences could be observed with scanning electron microscopy between the regular nitrocellulose filter paper and the paper kept in distilled water.
Conclusions:
The findings indicate that keeping the filter paper in distilled water and then drying it improves cell pickup and ocular surface evaluation in rabbits.
Insights
Modified impression cytology improves ocular surface evaluation in rabbits. Pre-treating filter paper with distilled water enhances goblet cell pickup, crucial for diagnosing dry eye disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Dry eye disease affects the ocular surface.
- Impression cytology is used to assess ocular surface changes.
- Goblet cells are vital for maintaining ocular surface health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate ocular surface changes in a rabbit dry eye model.
- To assess the efficacy of a modified impression cytology technique.
Main Methods:
- Nitrocellulose filter paper (0.45 microm pore size) was used for specimen collection in rabbits.
- Filter paper was pre-treated by soaking in distilled water overnight and then dried.
- Goblet cell density was quantified and compared with microscopy.
Main Results:
- A 3-day atropine injection model induced dry eye with decreased goblet cell density.
- Pre-treatment of filter paper improved cell pickup without altering morphology.
- Mucin accumulation was observed in the dry eye model.
Conclusions:
- Pre-treating filter paper with distilled water enhances cell pickup for ocular surface evaluation.
- This modified technique is effective for assessing dry eye changes in rabbits.
