Empowered by our expertise in glaucoma research, Ace Therapeutics provides a comprehensive suite of custom episcleral vein cauterization and ligation-induced glaucoma models to support your research endeavors. Our models recapitulate key pathological features of glaucoma, enabling researchers to study intraocular pressure (IOP) dysregulation, optic nerve damage, and retinal degeneration with high fidelity.
Role of Episcleral Vein Cauterization and Ligation Models in Glaucoma Research
Glaucoma, characterized by progressive optic neuropathy and elevated IOP, requires robust preclinical models that mimic human pathology. Cauterization and ligation techniques target episcleral veins to induce chronic ocular hypertension, which closely resembles the pathophysiological changes seen in advanced or absolute glaucoma. These models are pivotal for studying neuroprotection, IOP-lowering therapy, and vascular dysfunction in glaucoma, offering a controlled and reproducible platform for preclinical research.
Fig. 1 Cauterization of the three episcleral veins induced posterior eye segment changes (veins (blue arrows), arteries (red arrows), optic disc (white arrows)) assessed by fundoscopy. (Kralj T, et al., 2021)
Explore Our Episcleral Vein Cauterization and Ligation-Induced Glaucoma Models
Ace Therapeutics' custom cauterization/ligation-induced glaucoma models are tailored to meet the specific needs of your research, providing a robust foundation for investigating disease progression and evaluating novel drugs. Our episcleral vein cauterization/ligation induction method can be applied to rodents (mice, rats), rabbits, and larger species. Our services are designed to support a wide range of applications, from basic research to preclinical drug development.
Customizable Episcleral Vein Cauterization and Ligation-Induced Glaucoma Models
- Cauterization-induced glaucoma models
We induce chronic ocular hypertension by episcleral vein cauterization, a method that has been validated to cause retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and optic nerve damage. By heating two or three episcleral veins, which obstructs aqueous humor outflow, our models exhibit sustained IOP elevation. - Ligation-induced glaucoma models
Our scientists induce chronic ocular hypertension by episcleral vein ligation, a well-established method that elevates IOP by obstructing the aqueous humor outflow pathway. Our models are designed to mimic glaucoma pathophysiology by surgically ligating one or more episcleral veins, leading to increased venous pressure and subsequent IOP elevation.
Features of Our Episcleral Vein Cauterization and Ligation-Induced Glaucoma Models
- Controlled IOP elevation
Monitor IOP changes longitudinally using telemetry or tonometry. - Pathological hallmarks
Reproducible RGC apoptosis, optic nerve cupping, and retinal thinning.
Applications of Episcleral Vein Cauterization and Ligation-Induced Glaucoma Models
Our glaucoma models can be applied in various research fields, including:
- Drug screening and efficacy testing
Evaluate the efficacy of novel glaucoma drugs in lowering IOP and protecting RGCs. - Mechanistic studies
Investigate the underlying mechanisms of glaucoma, such as the role of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. - Ophthalmic pharmacokinetics
Evaluate drug concentration and clearance, and calculate the half-life in models by collecting ocular tissues and other tissues. - Toxicity studies
Assess the safety profile of potential glaucoma therapies in a preclinical setting.
By precisely controlling the episcleral vein occlusion, Ace Therapeutics' episcleral vein cauterization and ligation-induced glaucoma models provide a reliable platform for studying disease progression and evaluating therapeutic interventions aimed at lowering IOP and protecting RGCs. Contact us to talk with our experts and explore how our models can support your glaucoma research.
Reference
- Kralj T, et al. Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Therapy of Rat Glaucoma. Biomedicines, 2021, 10(1):89.