Usability of abattoir-acquired pig eyes for refractive excimer laser research.

The purpose of this study was to elucidate, under which conditions abattoir-acquired pig eyes are suitable for refractive excimer laser experiments. Porcine eyes from tunnel-scalded (n = 5) and tank-scalded (n = 10) pigs were compared to unscalded eyes (n = 5) and to eyes scalded in the laboratory (n = 5). The corneal epithelium was removed before an excimer laser was used to perform a - 8.0 D photoablation. Corneal thickness was measured by optical coherence topography before and after photoablation. The ablation depth was determined with a contour measuring station, the morphology of the ablated areas was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and white-light profilometry. The scalded eyes showed an increase in corneal swelling which gained statistical significance in tank-scalded eyes showing a wedge-shaped opaque stromal lesion in the nasal corneal quadrant. A measurable deterioration of photoablation was only found in tank-scalded eyes that exhibited the opaque lesion. Ablated area morphology was smooth and regular in the unscalded and tunnel-scalded eyes. The tank-scalded eyes showed conspicuous wrinkles. While unscalded eyes should always be preferred for excimer laser laboratory experiments, the data suggest that the use of tunnel-scalded eyes may also be acceptable and should be chosen over tank-scalded eyes.

Pharmacologic Treatment Tools: Systemic Medications and Toxins, Opportunities, and Pitfalls.

Treatment of pathologic muscle overactivity associated with upper motor neuron syndrome can be multifaceted. One of the initial decisions to be made when formulating an overarching treatment plan is selecting a combination of strategies that is most applicable. Strategies may include physical interventions, such as stretching or splinting modalities, or surgery, whereas pharmacotherapeutic strategies encompass oral/systemic medications as well as agents, such as toxins and alcohols, used for focal chemodenervation. This article reviews the oral/systemic therapies as well as toxins that are used focally. Although medication can also be administered via intrathecal pumps, this treatment approach is discussed elsewhere.