In vivo studies in animal models contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of glaucoma. Currently, researchers are characterizing glaucoma and replication-related damage with high precision in a range of species. The vast majority of studies have been conducted in primates and rodents, and various models have been developed for different species.
Ace Therapeutics is attempting to relate the findings of various animal models to specific types of glaucoma by developing various models for different species, including monkeys, rats, mice, rabbits, dogs, pigs, etc. You can compare and select from a variety of animal models and their applications, including elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of glaucoma, potential drug screening and functional assessment of the disease.
Non-Human Primates
Non-human primates can be the animal model of choice for glaucoma research.
Advantages - Anatomic similarities of the iridocorneal angle, retina and optic nerve head, physiological process of persistent IOP elevation in close proximity to humans.
Recommendation - Use primate models to evaluate RGC, measure neural structure and function, ON tap. Primates are expensive and more difficult to handle. We have an experienced team and special housing facilities to meet the needs of many research laboratories.
Rodents
Rodents are the most commonly used animal model for studying glaucoma. Commonly used rodents include mice and rats.
Advantages - The high degree of conservation between the human and rodent genomes, the similarity in their AH dynamics, the availability of established manipulation techniques, the convenience of breeding, the cheapness and the ease of handling.
Recommendation - Select rats or mice to expand the number of mouse models for specific glaucoma phenotypes using advanced techniques such as genetic tools. We recommend it for studying atrial aqueous outflow pathways, retinal and ON changes. We can provide laboratory maintenance, genetic manipulation and a large number of experimental samples in rodents.
Rabbits
Some of the eye structures of rabbits are similar to those of humans. The rabbit eye is an excellent model for analyzing the biochemical components of the eye for glaucoma.
Advantages - Astrocytes, ON, LC and aqueous humor components are very similar to humans, low cost and easy to manipulate.
Recommendation - You may choose the rabbit model as a reproducible alternative for preclinical studies in glaucoma.
Other Animals
Unconventional animals such as pigs and zebrafish can also be used to model glaucoma disease. The retina of pigs is highly similar to that of humans. The behavior of zebrafish is a valuable tool for the analysis of visual function.
Advantages - Easy access and fewer ethical issues.
Our Services
We offer animal model construction services for glaucoma, selecting specific animal species and providing experimental animal preparation based on your experimental needs and the type of glaucoma under study.
Table 1. Selection of animal models for different types of glaucoma.
| Types of Glaucoma | Animals |
|---|---|
| POAG | Monkeys, dogs, rats, mice, zebrafish, rabbits, sheep, etc. |
| PACG | Rats, mice, rabbits, dogs, etc. |
| PCG | Rats, mice, rabbits, cats, etc. |
| Other | Rats, mice. |
Tips
Regarding the selection of animal species for preclinical studies in glaucoma, we give some tips that we hope will be useful to you.
- The size of the animal's eyes should be considered.
- Their similarity to humans should be considered.
- Animals that are easily induced into the specific glaucoma phenotype you need should be selected.
- An ideal and reproducible glaucoma model that fits your budget should be selected.
You can refer to the advantages and limitations of choosing to use various animal models in glaucoma research. Specific model building services can be customized by contacting us.
References
- Evangelho K, et al. Experimental Models of Glaucoma: A Powerful Translational Tool for the Future Development of New Therapies for Glaucoma in Humans—A Review of the Literature. Medicina, 2019, 55, 280.
- Bouhenni R A, et al. Animal models of glaucoma. J Biomed Biotechnol, 2012:692609.