Abstract
Purpose :
The primary aim is to compare bilateral intraocular pressures (IOP) in a microbead model of chronic experimental glaucoma (EG) over a period of 40weeks and to determine if bilateral IOP elevations will be detriment to general well being. This is to address if bilateral IOP elevations may 1) reduce the number of animals used for future studies and 2) give similar IOP changes if induced simultaneously.
Methods :
Experimental procedures were conducted in accordance with the ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research and Singhealth institutional IACUC approval for simultaneous bilateral eye IOP induction was obtained based on our previous preliminary data demonstrating unilateral NHP IOP elevation did not have significant changes in social behavior and general health. Bilateral eyes of 6 adult (age, 5 years) and 5 juvenile (age, 2years) Cynomolgus macaque monkeys (Macaca Fascicularis) received IOP elevation using repeated sterile polystyrene microbeads (Triton Technologies, 15um) injections into the anterior chamber (AC). Repeated injections was given until IOP elevation >25mmHg was achieved. The 11 NHP were monitored for 40 weeks with humane endpoints monitored.
Results :
All 11 NHP did not show any change in social behavior and maintained good body weight and heath. Bilateral IOP elevations were sustained after week 7 from first injection, with an average of 8±SD 2 weekly injections (range 4-10 repeated weekly injections). No difference in the mean number of injection was needed between the juvenile and adult NHPs. No further injections were required for the 40 week period. There was no statistical significance (p=0.76) between right and left mean IOP elevation from week 6 to 40 (Table 1).
Conclusions :
Bilateral chronic moderate IOP elevation from 6-40 weeks does not result in change in NHP social behavior, body weight and health and may be useful to reduce the number of animals used for research. Simultaneous induction of IOP can achieve similar bilateral IOP elevations and may be useful for the study of therapeutic intervention.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2018 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 29 - May 3, 2018.