Animal Model (Rat) of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye) by Denervating the Trigeminal Nerve and Using the Whisking Response to Localize the Lesion

Background: Dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca [KCS]) is one of the most common diseases of the eye. Technology: Denervation of the trigeminal innervation to the cornea resulted in significant decrease in aqueous tear production within days post-op, associated with decreased corneal sensation and decreased blinking. Histopathology of the conjuctiva demonstrated decreased goblet cells while the cornea demonstrated inflammatory cells beneath the epithelium, findings consistent with the dry eye. The rat model of corneal and conjunctival denervation presents an opportunity to better understand one of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of KCS. Since the corneal surface is large for a rodent model, it may be useful in studying pharmacological efficacy in not only KCS but also corneal wound healing. Application: We have developed a reliable and predictable animal model for the dry eye. This model can be used to study the pathophysiology of the dry eye in an animal model and to test therapeutic efficacy in an animal model for treatment of the dry eye

Type of Offer: Licensing



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