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Updated: May 22, 2026
Ex Vivo and In Vivo Animal Models for Mechanical and Chemical Injuries of Corneal Epithelium
Published on: April 6, 2022
Influence of topical anesthetics on oculocardiac reflex and corneal healing in rabbits
Jay Singh1, Subhasis Roy, Prasenjit Mukherjee
1West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, India.
Aim:
To investigate the incidence of oculocardiac reflex (OCR) with two anesthetic regimens and its prevention using topical anesthetics in a rabbit model, and to explore the effect of topical anesthetics on corneal healing.
Methods:
Forty-eight clinically healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits of either sex were divided into two groups (Group A and B) and anesthetized with either ketamine (Group A, n =24) or propofol (Group B, n =24). he incidence of OCR was recorded in each group with a variety of ocular manipulation with or without the use of topical anesthetics (40g/L lignocaine, 5g/L proparacain, 5g/L bupivacaine). Corneal toxicity and healing following the use of each topical anesthetic was assessed one day after surgery and up to 7 days postoperatively by clinical examination of the eye, histopathology and collagen staining and transmission electron microscopy.
Results:
No incidence of OCR was recorded with ocular manipulation under ketamine anesthesia, whereas significant reduction in heart rate (P<0.01) was recorded under propofol anesthesia. Topical anesthetics could successfully prevent the OCR without affecting the corneal healing.
Conclusion:
Topical anesthetics may be recommended for prevention of OCR without any local adverse effect.
