The Establishment Of The Rat Model Of Chronic Glaucoma By Cauterizing Episcleral Vessels

Objective To provide a reproducible, quantitative, easily made and low cost glaucoma model with few complications in Wistar rats. Methods Three episcleral vessels of Wistar rats were unilaterally cauterized, while the lateral eyes kept untouched for comparison. The rat intraocular pressure was measured and recorded regularly. Rat eyes were enucleated after 2 months, 4 months and 6 months to observe the changes of the optic disk and the retina, to measure the horizontal diameter of the cornea and to count the number of retinal ganglion cells in central retina and in peripheral retina in both experimental and contra lateral eyes. The thickness of central and peripheral retina was also measured and compared. Results (1) The diameter of rat cornea did not change. (2) Elevated IOP persisted for at least 6 months without re-treatment, and an approximately 1.8-fold increase in IOP after 6 months, compared to the contra lateral eye 35. Oil. 6 vs. 19. 4 + 1. 1mmHg, respectively). (3) There was an approximately 46% loss of retinal ganglion cells in the peripheral retina , and 36% loss in the central retina. (4) Cupping of the optic disk was observable by examination, and C/D was over 0. 6 after 6 months. (5) The thickness of retina became thinner. Conclusion (1) The model of chronic glaucoma could be established byunilaterally cauterizing the episcleral vessels of Wistar rats. (2) The thickness of retina, the number of retinal ganglion cells and the cup of the optic disk were changed significantly. (3) This model provides a reproducible and quantitative model for pharmacological experiments, damage of optic nerve, neuroprotection and treatment of the optic neuropathy associated with glaucoma.Man Xuejing (Ophthalmology) Directed by Wang Jinghua...