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Establishment of a Severe Dry Eye Model Using Complete Dacryoadenectomy in Rabbits
Published on: January 8, 2020
Establishment of a rabbit model for keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Zhi-Yuan Chen1, Qing-Feng Liang, Guang-Yan Yu
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China.
Cornea
|June 11, 2011
Summary
This study established a rabbit model for dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) by surgically removing glands. This method effectively reduces tear production for future research on dry eye treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) significantly impacts ocular health.
- Developing reliable animal models is crucial for studying disease mechanisms and testing novel therapies.
- Autologous submandibular gland transfer is a potential treatment for severe dry eye.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reproducible rabbit model for keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).
- To evaluate surgical ablation of lacrimal and harderian glands and nictitating membrane for KCS induction.
- To compare KCS induction with and without trichloroacetic acid application.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of rabbits underwent surgical removal of lacrimal and harderian glands and nictitating membrane.
- One group received additional trichloroacetic acid treatment to the conjunctiva.
- Tear secretion, corneal staining, and goblet cell density were assessed postoperatively.
Main Results:
- Both surgical methods successfully induced KCS, significantly reducing tear secretion.
- Operated eyes showed increased corneal staining and decreased goblet cell density compared to controls.
- No significant difference in KCS severity was observed between the two surgical methods.
Conclusions:
- Surgical ablation of lacrimal and harderian glands and nictitating membrane is an effective method for creating a rabbit model of KCS.
- Trichloroacetic acid application is unnecessary for inducing experimental KCS using this model.
- The established model provides a platform for investigating treatments like autologous submandibular gland transfer for severe KCS.
