Histomorphometric evaluation of the Göttingen minipig eye

The Göttingen minipig is becoming a popular nonrodent animal model in ocular research; however, there is a paucity of literature regarding normative ocular reference data in this breed. We, therefore, investigated the characteristics of the cornea, retina, and sclera in order to establish baseline histomorphometric data in male and female Göttingen minipigs.

This study utilized paraffin-embedded, Davidson's-fixed, control Göttingen minipig eyes (six males and eight females). Hematoxylin and eosin stained slides of the eyes were scanned via an Aperio slide scanner and analyzed using Aperio ImageScope™. Linear measurements were made of the cornea, retina, and sclera.

There were no statistically significant differences between males and females in corneal or scleral measurements or total retinal thickness. There were, however, statistically significant differences between the sexes in the thickness of the ventral peripheral ganglion cell layer [13.15 µm (±3.65) in males; 10.68 µm (±3.37) in females; P = 0.03], ventral peripheral inner plexiform layer [23.47 µm (±2.85) in males; 21.16 µm (±3.62) in females; P = 0.03], ventral central outer plexiform layer [7.97 µm (±2.43) in males; 6.63 µm (±1.73) in females; P = 0.02], and ventral peripheral outer plexiform layer [8.79 µm (±1.82) in males; 11.23 µm (±3.11) in females; P = 0.01].

This study provides normative histomorphometric reference data for the Göttingen minipig eye. These data will aid researchers in study design and interpretation of findings in Göttingen minipig ocular studies.