Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2025
Establishment of a Severe Dry Eye Model Using Complete Dacryoadenectomy in Rabbits
Published on: January 8, 2020
A Comprehensive Assessment of Tear-Film-Oriented Diagnosis (TFOD) in a Dacryoadenectomy Dry Eye Model
Saki Sakakura1, Emi Inagaki1,2,3, Yuichiro Ochiai4
1Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
Abstract:
Tear film instability is a major cause of dry eye disease. In order to treat patients with short tear film breakup time (TBUT)-type dry eye, the development of tear film stabilizing agents is essential. However, the lack of an appropriate animal model of tear film instability has made drug development difficult. Although rabbit dry eye models have been reported in the past, there are only a few reports that focus on tear film instability. Herein, we assessed the tear film stability of a rabbit dry eye model induced by dacryoadenectomy. A clinical evaluation of the ocular surface, interferometry, and histological assessments of the cornea and conjunctiva were performed. Following the removal of the lacrimal glands, TBUT was shortened significantly, with dimple and random breakup patterns prominently observed. Furthermore, the blink rate in this model increased after dacryoadenectomy, suggesting that this model partially captured the phenotypes of human short TBUT-type dry eye and may be useful as an animal model for investigating potential drug candidates.
Insights
Researchers developed a rabbit dry eye model by removing lacrimal glands to study tear film instability. This model shows promise for testing new treatments for dry eye disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Tear film instability is a primary cause of dry eye disease.
- Developing effective treatments for short tear film breakup time (TBUT)-type dry eye requires stable animal models.
- Existing rabbit dry eye models have limitations in addressing tear film instability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the tear film stability in a rabbit dry eye model induced by dacryoadenectomy.
- To evaluate the utility of this model for studying tear film instability and testing therapeutic agents.
Main Methods:
- Induction of dry eye in rabbits via dacryoadenectomy (lacrimal gland removal).
- Clinical evaluation of the ocular surface.
- Interferometry to assess tear film quality.
- Histological examination of corneal and conjunctival tissues.
Main Results:
- Dacryoadenectomy significantly reduced tear film breakup time (TBUT).
- Observed dimple and random breakup patterns in tear film.
- Increased blink rate post-dacryoadenectomy.
- The model partially replicates phenotypes of human short TBUT-type dry eye.
Conclusions:
- The rabbit dry eye model induced by dacryoadenectomy effectively mimics tear film instability.
- This model is a valuable tool for investigating the mechanisms of dry eye disease.
- It offers a potential platform for preclinical evaluation of tear film stabilizing agents.
