Characterizing the Robustness of Distinct Clinical Assessments in Identifying Dry Eye Condition of Animal Models.
Curr Eye Res
; 49(6): 565-573, 2024 06.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38299568
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
The study aims to characterize the robustness of distinct clinical assessments in identifying the underlying conditions of dry eye disease (DED), with a specific emphasis on the involvement of conjunctival goblet cells.METHODS:
Seven rabbits receiving surgical removal of the lacrimal and Harderian glands were divided into two groups, one with ablation of conjunctival goblet cells by topical soaking of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to the bulbar conjunctiva (n = 3) and one without (n = 4), and the conditions of DED were assessed weekly using Schirmer test, tear breakup time (TBUT), tear osmolarity, and National Eye Institute (NEI) fluorescein staining grading. After 8 weeks, the rabbits were sacrificed, and the eyes were enucleated for histopathological examination.RESULTS:
Histopathological analysis revealed corneal epithelial thinning in both groups. While TCA soaking significantly decreased the density of conjunctival goblet cells, DED rabbits without TCA also showed a partial reduction in goblet cell density, potentially attributable to dacryoadenectomy. Both groups showed significant decreases in Schirmer test and TBUT, as well as an increase in tear osmolarity. In DED rabbits with TCA soaking, tear osmolarity increased markedly, suggesting that tear osmolarity is highly sensitive to loss and/or dysfunction of conjunctival goblet cells. Fluorescein staining was gradually and similarly increased in both groups, suggesting that fluorescein staining may not reveal an early disruption of the tear film until the prolonged progression of DED.CONCLUSION:
The Schirmer test, TBUT, tear osmolarity, and NEI fluorescein grading are distinct, yet complementary, clinical assessments for the evaluation of DED. By performing these assessments in definitive DED rabbit models, both with and without ablation of conjunctival goblet cells, the role of these cells in the homeostasis of tear osmolarity is highlighted. Characterizing the robustness of these assessments in identifying the underlying conditions of DED will guide a more appropriate management for patients with DED.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Lágrimas
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Síndromes do Olho Seco
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Túnica Conjuntiva
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Células Caliciformes
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Modelos Animais de Doenças
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Aparelho Lacrimal
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Curr Eye Res
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Taiwan