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Crescentic cataracts in Alderley Park rats
C M Lazenby1, F R Westwood, P Greaves
1Safety of Medicines Department, ICI Pharmaceuticals, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, England.
Veterinary Pathology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
This study details a rare crescentic cataract in Alderley Park rats, noting its higher incidence in females and its link to sex hormone status. The findings are crucial for long-term research involving this rat strain.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
- Rodent Models
Background:
- Cataracts are a common age-related ocular condition.
- Specific cataract forms require detailed documentation for accurate toxicological and aging studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the clinical and histological characteristics of a poorly described crescentic cataract in Alderley Park rats.
- To investigate the incidence and evolution of these cataracts in relation to age and hormonal status.
Main Methods:
- Ophthalmoscopic and clinical examinations of over 2,000 untreated Alderley Park rats (4-110 weeks).
- Histological analysis of lenticular changes.
- Inclusion of ex-breeder and gonadectomized rats to assess hormonal influence.
Main Results:
- A unilateral, crescentic cataract originating dorsally at the lens equator was observed.
- Cataracts appeared around 30 weeks, affecting 4% of intact males and 14% of intact females by 2 years.
- Incidence was lower in ex-breeder females and absent in gonadectomized rats, suggesting a role for sex hormones.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of these age-related cataracts in Alderley Park rats is influenced by sex hormone status.
- These findings are critical for interpreting long-term studies using this rat model.