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Abstract #15385 Published in IGR 1-3
Confirmation of the rat model of chronic, moderately elevated intraocular pressure
Sawada A; Neufeld AHExperimental Eye Research 1999; 69: 525-531
The authors have confirmed the usefulness of the rat model of chronic, moderately elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) for studying loss of retinal ganglion cells, and as a model for pharmacological neuroprotection studies that may be relevant to treating human glaucoma. By unilaterally cauterizing three episcleral vessels, as described previously in the literature by another laboratory, the authors observed an approximately 1.6-fold increase in IOP compared to the contralateral eye (18.6 versus 11.5 mmHg, respectively). Elevated IOP persisted for six months without re-treatment. Cupping of the optic disc was observable by examination, in vivo. In six months, there was an approximately 40% loss of retinal ganglion cells in the peripheral retina. This model provides a reproducible and quantitative model for pharmacological experiments using neuroprotective agents.
Dr. A.H. Neufeld, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Box 8096, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110; USA
Classification:
5 Experimental glaucoma; animal models
