Disease models

Desiccating Stress + Scopolamine-Induced Dry Eye

A widely cited early murine model of Dry Eye Disease (DED) was described by Dursun et al. in 2002, introducing a reproducible approach using desiccating stress and pharmacologic inhibition to induce ocular surface damage. Building on this model, we use a validated dry eye disease model in mice to simulate both evaporative and aqueous-deficient subtypes of DED, effectively mimicking hallmark features of human dry eye disease.

We offer comprehensive, non-invasive in vivo assessments including corneal fluorescein staining imaging, rose bengal staining imaging, and tear volume measurements. Additionally, we provide detailed histological analysis of lacrimal gland inflammation, corneal epithelial thickness and conjunctival goblet cell density.

Technical details

Animal species

Mouse

Method of induction

Controlled desiccating environment with scopolamine administration (transdermal or injectable)

Follow-up period

Typically, 14-21 days

Readouts

In vivo assessments
– Grading of corneal epithelial damage (corneal fluorescein staining and rose bengal staining)
– Quantitative tear volume measurement
Histological analysis
– Grading of immune cell infiltration in the lacrimal gland
– Quantification of conjunctival goblet cells
– Quantification of corneal thickness

Scientific excellence in every model

Scientific rigor

The model accurately mimics human DED features such as tear film instability and ocular surface damage.

Technical precision

The combination of controlled desiccating environment and pharmacologic inhibition in our model ensures reliable dry eye disease induction and consistent results throughout studies.

Comprehensive read-outs

We provide a full range of assessments, including non-invasive imaging, tear volume measurement and histology, for thorough evaluation of disease progression and treatment outcomes.

References

Dursun D, Wang M, Monroy D, Li D-Q, Lokeshwar BL, Stern ME, et al. A mouse model of keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2002;43(3):632-8.

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