Episcleral Cautery-Induced Model of Glaucoma in Rats
Episcleral vein cauterization (EVC) is used in rats to generate a glaucoma model with high intraocular pressure (IOP) that is responsive to typical anti-glaucoma therapeutics. Glaucoma models of elevated IOP in the rat have been used extensively in the past decade in an effort to determine the pathogenesis of glaucoma and to find new therapies for this disease. These models rely on obstruction of the outflow pathways by several methods.
CBI offers a validated model of glaucoma induced by surgical episcleral vein cautery in rats. IOPs are determined using a new model of Tonometer that is specific for rodents, thus ensuring trauma-free accuracy and repeatability in awake and unanesthetized rat.
A typical study design:
- 10 Brown Norway, SD or Wistar rats per group, vehicle, test article at 2-3 dose levels, positive control of topical timolol or other relevant compound
- Induce glaucoma by unilateral surgical cautery of the episcleral vessels
- Establish presurgical baseline IOPs
- Determine post surgical IOPs at designated intervals:
- Acute 0-6 hrs post cautery
- Subacute to chronic 1-several days
- Test article applied as appropriate
- Complete report