A Technique to Induce Chronic Experimental Autoimmune Dry Eye in Rats

Abstract

Source: Hou, A., et al. A Chronic Autoimmune Dry Eye Rat Model with Increase in Effector Memory T Cells in Eyeball Tissue. J. Vis. Exp. (2017).

This video demonstrates a technique to induce chronic experimental autoimmune dry eye disease in rats. Upon injecting an antigen-adjuvant emulsion containing autoantigens and foreign antigens into a rat at predefined intervals, chronic eye inflammation is induced in the immunized rat by injecting the same antigens into the ocular surface tissues.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Preparation of Lacrimal Gland Extract

NOTE: Rats were anesthetized with the intraperitoneal injection of ketamine (75 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg). Proper anesthetization was confirmed by toe pinching and tail pinching. Ophthalmic gel was applied to the rat's eyes to prevent dryness after each procedure. The anesthetized rats were placed under far infrared lights to keep the animals warm until they fully recovered. During the procedur....