Rabbit as an Animal Model for Ocular Surface Disease, Tear Osmolarity, Electrolyte, and Tear Ferning Profiles.
Optom Vis Sci 2021;
97:847-851. [PMID:
33055509 DOI:
10.1097/opx.0000000000001583]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE
The tear film promotes ocular surface health and protection through its various constituents' functions. The application of methods for ocular surface examination is essential in the research of diseases that affect the tear film. Rabbits have been used as a model to study some human ocular diseases and to test ophthalmic products.
PURPOSE
The aim of the present study was to determine the biochemical profile, osmolarity, and tear ferning patterns of rabbit tears.
METHODS
Ten rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were evaluated for tear osmolarity, tear ferning types and grades (using Rolando and Masmali scales), and biochemical analysis of total protein, urea, and electrolytes (chloride, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, and calcium).
RESULTS
Median ± semi-interquartile range for tear osmolarity was 283.5 ± 7.5 mOsm/L. Tear ferning test grades were type 1.0 ± 0.5 on the Rolando scale and 1.0 ± 0.5 on the Masmali scale. Type I and grade 1 were the most commonly observed ferning classifications (60 and 50%, respectively) for the rabbits' tears. Results for electrolytes and other biochemical compounds were as follows: total protein 4.40 g/dL, urea 130.60 mg/dL, chloride 196.51 mEq/L, phosphate 7.35 mg/dL, iron 95.76 μg/dL, sodium 202.04 mmol/L, potassium 12.74 mmol/L, and calcium 11.53 mg/dL.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of the various tests described herein may serve as a basis for research using rabbits as an ophthalmic disease model and in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents used for ocular health.
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