THE POSSIBILITY OF EXPERIMENTAL MODELING OF THE DIFFERENT PATHOGENETIC TYPES CORNEAL-CONJUNCTIVAL XEROSIS IN REX RABBITS

Objective: the aim was to design the experimental models of dry eye disease in rabbits of the various pathogenetic types. Materials and methods. Modelling of dry eye disease was carried out on 30 rabbits with the help of transconjunctival injections of the botulinic toxin A into the main lacrimal glands, diathermocoagulation of the excretory ducts of the meibomian glands and a combination of these methods. Estimation of functional parameters, namely, precorneal tear fluid osmolarity, tear film stability by M. Norn sampling, total tearing according to O. Schirmer as well as the intensity of its colouring by lissamine green and fluoroscein sodium. Results of the study. In all cases, on rabbits was developed clinical and functional signs of dry eye disease, manifested by a decrease in tear production, stability of the tear film and increased osmolarity of the lacrimal fluid. At the same time, there were also marked xerotic changes in the epithelium of the eye surface. These clinical and functional changes in the epithelium of the ocular surface were manifested on 3-7 days after xerosis modeling and continued to increase by the 21st day of the experiment. The most pronounced changes in the epithelium of the ocular surface were achieved in rabbits with a combined model of dry eye disease. Conclusion. The proposed methods of modeling the production of tears and/or lipids, can stimulate the development of xerosis of the ocular surface epithelium, which allows to recommend a wide use of this technique as a dry eye disease experimental model (1 tabl., bibliography: 9 refs).

dry eye disease, experimental modeling