Biopharma Insights A novel approach is presented to induce chronic dry eye disease in rabbits by surgically removing all orbital lacrimal glands. This method, distinct from those previously reported, produces a stable, reproducible model of aqueous deficient dry eye well suited to study tear physiology and pathophysiology and ocular therapeutics.
Total time
~2–3 hours per animal (including pre-operative preparation and post-operative monitoring)
Model organism
Rabbit (species unspecified, likely New Zealand White or similar)
Steps
1
Remove nictitating membrane for gland access
Surgically excise the nictitating membrane to expose orbital lacrimal glands and facilitate complete dacryoadenectomy. This preparatory step improves visibility and accessibility of the target tissue.
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2
Perform complete bilateral dacryoadenectomy
Surgically remove all orbital lacrimal glands bilaterally using precise dissection and hemostasis techniques. This produces stable, reproducible aqueous-deficient dry eye suitable for long-term pathophysiology studies.
▶ 02:24
3
Confirm dry eye induction post-operatively
Assess tear production and ocular surface changes following dacryoadenectomy to verify successful dry eye model establishment. Documentation of baseline pathology enables subsequent therapeutic intervention studies.
▶ 06:43