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Ophthalmologic observations in the young Yucatan micropig
1Synthelabo Recherche (L.E.R.S.), Département d'Etude sur la Sécurité du Médicament 2-8, Gargenville, France.
Laboratory Animal Science
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Ocular examinations in Yucatan micropigs revealed common embryologic vascular remnants, including hyaloid remnants (82.1%) and pupillary membrane remnants (66.1%). These findings highlight typical developmental variations in the porcine eye.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Comparative Anatomy
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Yucatan micropigs are increasingly used as animal models in biomedical research.
- Understanding normal ocular anatomy and common variations is crucial for interpreting experimental results.
- Embryologic remnants can persist in the adult eye, potentially mimicking pathological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of ocular abnormalities in Yucatan micropigs.
- To classify observed ocular defects, particularly those related to embryologic vascular tissue.
- To assess the potential evolution of these findings in older animals.
Main Methods:
- Complete ocular examinations were performed on 112 Yucatan micropigs (7-12 months old).
- Methods included external observation, pupillary light response testing, biomicroscopy, and indirect ophthalmoscopy.
- Ten older animals (15-33 months) were examined for follow-up.
Main Results:
- The most common abnormalities were hyaloid remnants (82.1%) and pupillary membrane remnants (66.1%).
- Incomplete fundic pigmentation (tigroid fundus) occurred in 50.0% of animals.
- Posterior cortical pinpoint lens opacities were observed in 20.5% of subjects.
Conclusions:
- Most ocular findings in Yucatan micropigs are benign remnants of embryologic vascular tissue.
- These findings represent common variations rather than pathological conditions.
- Further pathological examination is needed for indeterminate findings.