A preliminary study on the establishment of an animal model of conjunctivochalasis

• Main Authors: Jing-Yun Gan, Qing-Song Li, Huan-Ming Zhou, Wei Zhang, Ling-Zhi Lian, Zhang Yu, Zhen-Yong Zhang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Press of International Journal of Ophthalmology (IJO PRESS) 2018-06-01
• Series: International Journal of Ophthalmology
• Subjects: 904; animal model; conjunctivochalasis; extracellular matrix; inflammatory factors; matrix metalloproteinase
• Online Access: http://www.ijo.cn/en_publish/2018/6/20180601.pdf

AIM: To explore a feasible method on the establishment of an animal model of conjunctivochalasis (CCH). METHODS: Twelve clean-grade New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups (n=3/group): the control group (one received no interventions, and the others underwent subconjunctival injection of sterile water), the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) group (administered subconjunctival injection of MMP-3), the aging group (administered subcutaneous injection of D-galactose), the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) solution group (administered eye drops of TNF-α). Anterior segment photography, conjunctival tissue light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed after 12wk. RESULTS: Among all groups, the MMPs group had the following changes: the looser connection between the inferior bulbar conjunctiva and sclera; the more disordered collagen fibers (Trichrome staining) and the broken elastic fibers (Aldehyde-fuchsin staining); the focal necrosis of fibroblasts (TEM). CONCLUSION: Administration of MMPs may be a feasible method for the establishment of an animal model of CCH.