Customized Rabbit Models of Pterygium

Pterygium is a benign, fibrovascular growth that originates from the conjunctiva and extends onto the cornea, often leading to significant ocular discomfort, redness, and vision impairment. At Ace Therapeutics, we specialize in providing customized rabbit models specifically designed for pterygium research. Our services support researchers to explore the underlying mechanisms of pterygium development and evaluate potential therapeutics.

Overview of Pterygium and Related Rabbit Models

Pterygium is characterized by the progressive encroachment of fibrovascular tissue from the conjunctiva onto the cornea. This growth can lead to visual impairment, discomfort, and cosmetic concerns. The development of pterygium is thought to be multifactorial, with UV exposure, chronic inflammation, and limbal stem cell dysfunction playing key roles. Current treatments are often insufficient, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches. Rabbit models, capitalizing on the similarities between rabbit and human ocular anatomy, offer valuable tools for studying pterygium pathogenesis and evaluating potential treatments. These models typically involve inducing pterygium-like lesions through the subconjunctival injection of fibroblasts, extracellular matrix components, or a combination of both.

Fig 1. Comparison of the histopathological criteria assessed in human pterygium (a) and rabbit conjunctival fibrovascular tissue in the right eye (b).Fig. 1. Right-eye histopathological comparison of human pterygium and rabbit conjunctival fibrous tissue. (Zhang ZY, et al., 2021)

Explore Ace Therapeutics' Rabbit Models of Pterygium

At Ace Therapeutics, we specialize in developing customized rabbit models for pterygium research. Our approach involves the injection of mouse fibroblasts into the subconjunctival space of New Zealand white rabbits. This method has been validated to recapitulate the histopathological features of human pterygium, including neovascularization and inflammation.

  • Model Development and Optimization
    We work closely with researchers to develop models that address their specific research questions. This includes selecting the appropriate fibroblast source (e.g., murine NIH3T3 cells, primary human pterygium fibroblasts), optimizing the extracellular matrix composition (including variations of Matrigel or other suitable matrices), and refining injection protocols to achieve the desired lesion characteristics.
  • Precise Surgical Procedures
    Our highly skilled surgical team performs precise subconjunctival injections in rabbit models to achieve, ensuring consistent and reproducible lesion development. We adhere to strict surgical protocols to minimize variability and maximize model reliability. Our expertise extends to various injection techniques, allowing us to create localized or diffuse lesions as required by the research design.
  • Comprehensive Monitoring and Analysis
    We employ advanced imaging techniques, including high-resolution photography and in vivo confocal microscopy, to monitor lesion development over time. We quantify lesion size, vascularization (using techniques such as red pixel saturation analysis), and other relevant parameters using sophisticated image analysis software. Our team also performs detailed histopathological analysis, including H&E staining and immunohistochemistry, to characterize the cellular and molecular composition of the lesions.

Rabbit models of pterygium represent a significant advancement in ocular research, providing a reliable platform for investigating the mechanisms behind pterygium. Ace Therapeutics provides customized rabbit models of pterygium tailored to accelerate your preclinical research. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and learn how our expertise can support your research programs.

Reference

  1. Zavala J, et al. Extracellular matrix and fibroblast injection produces pterygium-like lesion in rabbits. Biol Res. 2018 Jun 5;51(1):15.
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Ace Therapeutics is a research service provider specializing in ophthalmology. We are dedicated to providing exceptional research services that support drug development programs for clients worldwide.

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