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Rodent models for dry eye syndrome: Standardization using benzalkonium chloride and scopolamine hydrobromide
Pinal Chaudhari1, Sairaj Satarker2, Rinu Thomas3
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India.
Life Sciences
|February 2, 2023
Summary
This study standardized two dry eye disease models, benzalkonium chloride-induced evaporative dry eye and scopolamine-induced aqueous deficient dry eye. Both models showed persistent inflammation, indicating their utility for evaluating new dry eye treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Preclinical Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent condition impacting quality of life and posing challenges in ophthalmology.
- Animal models are essential for understanding DED pathophysiology and developing treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare and standardize two distinct rodent models of dry eye disease: benzalkonium chloride (evaporative DED) and scopolamine (aqueous deficient DED).
- To investigate the recovery aspects of these induced dry eye models.
Main Methods:
- Standardization of benzalkonium chloride and scopolamine-induced DED models in rodents.
- Assessment of dry eye severity through tear volume measurement, corneal imaging, and histological analysis of ocular and glandular tissues.
- Evaluation of self-recovery over seven days post-induction.
Main Results:
- Benzalkonium chloride induced chronic corneal and lacrimal gland inflammation within five days.
- Scopolamine induced chronic lacrimal gland inflammation by day five and corneal inflammation by day seven.
- Persistent dry eye symptoms were observed even after discontinuing the inducing agents, suggesting chronic changes.
Conclusions:
- Both standardized models exhibit distinct inflammatory profiles and persistent symptoms, making them suitable for evaluating therapeutic interventions.
- The study provides a comparative analysis of two DED models and their recovery patterns, serving as a foundation for drug discovery.
