Glaucoma and the Pig Models

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by progressive optic neuropathy. Since the pathogenesis of glaucoma is still unclear, it is necessary to establish functional, reproducible, and easy-to-use animal models to study glaucoma pathogenesis and develop effective treatments. Minipigs are more accessible as laboratory animals than nonhuman primates. In addition to being phylogenetically closer to humans than other species, his retinal structure is also similar to humans. In recent years, episcleral vein cautery has been used successfully to induce glaucoma in domestic pigs and minipigs. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is then measured with a tonometer. This has a positive effect on research into therapies and medical devices aimed at treating glaucoma and lowering intraocular pressure.

Fig. 1. Photographs of the fundus showing the optic disc from the control eye (A) and from the corresponding cauterised eye (B) 5 months after cauterisation of the episcleral vein. (Ruiz-Ederra J, et al., 2005)

Service Overview

Pig and minipig retinas are highly similar to humans, which makes the minipig model of glaucoma exhibit typical alterations in ON, and can be used for ON mining. In addition, the elevation of IOP in pigs and minipigs induces the expression of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 (ELAM-1)at the anterior chamber level of the outflow pathway system. This molecule has been identified as the first molecular marker for glaucomatous trabecular meshwork cells in humans. As a pioneer company with advanced technology in ocular disease model development, Ace Therapeutics with advanced technology explores, designs, and develops minipig glaucoma models to meet customers' research needs. At Ace Therapeutics, our team of experts uses standard glaucoma induction protocols to create this condition.

After the model is established, our expert team verifies the model's reliability by testing multiple indicators, including:

• Intraocular pressure measurement.
• Fundus photography (color).
• Ocular coherence tomography (OCT).
• Optometry.
• Pathological analyses and imaging.

Explore Ace Therapeutics' Minipig Models of Glaucoma

Ace Therapeutics provides the following two minipig experimental glaucoma models to global customers, including but not limited to:

• Episcleral vein burning glaucoma model in minipig

Ace Therapeutics' researchers are able to model glaucoma by cauterizing the episcleral vein (EVC) in minipigs to increase retro-trabecular resistance to aqueous humor outflow. This model allows observation of ultrastructural changes in the trabecular meshwork (TM) without disturbing any structures within the eye such as the TM, ciliary body, and/or retina.

• Microbead injection glaucoma model in minipig

Ace Therapeutics researchers inject microbeads multiple times into minipigs' unilateral anterior chamber. TM cells produced secondary effects in the pre- and intra-trabecular regions, resulting in increased IOP.

Ace Therapeutics aims to provide global customers with a powerful experimental tool to explore novel therapies and medical devices aimed at treating glaucoma and lowering IOP. If you are interested in our services or need more detailed information, please feel free to contact us. Our experienced scientists are ready to help you!

References

1. Ruiz-Ederra J, García M, Hernández M, et al. The pig eye as a novel model of glaucoma. Exp Eye Res. 2005, 81(5):561-9.
2. Vecino E, Urcola H, Bayon A, et al. Ocular Hypertension/Glaucoma in Minipigs: Episcleral Veins Cauterization and Microbead Occlusion Methods. Methods Mol Biol. 2018, 1695:41-48.
3. Rosolen SG, Rigaudière F, Le Gargasson JF. Un nouveau modèle d'hyperpression oculaire induite chez le miniporc [A new model of induced ocular hyperpressure using the minipig]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2003, 26(3):259-67.

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