1
|
Zhao L, Chen R, Qu J, Yang L, Li Y, Ma L, Zang X, Qi X, Wang X, Zhou Q. Establishment of mouse model of neurotrophic keratopathy through TRPV1 neuronal ablation. Exp Eye Res 2024; 240:109814. [PMID: 38307190 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a challenging disease with the reduced innervation to the cornea. To establish a genetic and stable mouse model of NK, we utilized the TRPV1-DTR mice with intraperitoneal injection of diphtheria toxin (DT) to selectively eliminate TRPV1 neurons. After DT administration, the mice exhibited robust ablation of TRPV1 neurons in the trigeminal ganglion, accompanied with reduced corneal sensation and nerve density, as well as the decreased calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P levels. According to disease progression of TRPV1 neuronal ablation, tear secretion was reduced from day 3, which followed by corneal epithelial punctate lesions from day 7. From day 11 to day 16, the mice exhibited persistent corneal epithelial defects and stromal edema. By day 21, corneal ulceration and stromal melting were observed with the abundant inflammatory cell infiltration, corneal neovascularization, and enhanced cell apoptosis. Moreover, subconjunctival injection of CGRP delayed the NK progression with the characteristics of reduced severe corneal epithelial lesions and corneal inflammation. In addition, the impairments of conjunctival goblet cells, lacrimal gland, and meibomian gland were identified by the diminished expression of MUC5AC, AQP5, and PPARγ, respectively. Therefore, these results suggest that the TRPV1-DTR mice may serve as a reliable animal model for the research of NK pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Zhao
- Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Rong Chen
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingyu Qu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lingling Yang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya Li
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Linyan Ma
- Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinyi Zang
- Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xia Qi
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Qingjun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|