Title
A magnetic microbead occlusion model to induce ocular hypertension-dependent glaucoma in mice
Date Issued
23 March 2016
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Ito Y.
Belforte N.
di Polo A.
University of Montreal
Publisher(s)
Journal of Visualized Experiments
Abstract
The use of rodent models of glaucoma has been essential to understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathophysiology of this multifactorial neurodegenerative disease. With the advent of numerous transgenic mouse lines, there is increasing interest in inducible murine models of ocular hypertension. Here, we present an occlusion model of glaucoma based on the injection of magnetic microbeads into the anterior chamber of the eye using a modified microneedle with a facetted bevel. The magnetic microbeads are attracted to the iridocorneal angle using a handheld magnet to block the drainage of aqueous humour from the anterior chamber. This disruption in aqueous dynamics results in a steady elevation of intraocular pressure, which subsequently leads to the loss of retinal ganglion cells, as observed in human glaucoma patients. The microbead occlusion model presented in this manuscript is simple compared to other inducible models of glaucoma and also highly effective and reproducible. Importantly, the modifications presented here minimize common issues that often arise in occlusion models. First, the use of a bevelled glass microneedle prevents backflow of microbeads and ensures that minimal damage occurs to the cornea during the injection, thus reducing injury-related effects. Second, the use of magnetic microbeads ensures the ability to attract most beads to the iridocorneal angle, effectively reducing the number of beads floating in the anterior chamber avoiding contact with other structures (e.g., iris, lens). Lastly, the use of a handheld magnet allows flexibility when handling the small mouse eye to efficiently direct the magnetic microbeads and ensure that there is little reflux of the microbeads from the eye when the microneedle is withdrawn. In summary, the microbead occlusion mouse model presented here is a powerful investigative tool to study neurodegenerative changes that occur during the onset and progression of glaucoma.
Volume
2016
Issue
109
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Tecnologías que implican la manipulación de células, tejidos, órganos o todo el organismo Tecnología para la identificación y funcionamiento del ADN, proteínas y enzimas y como influencian la enfermedad)
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-84962463231
PubMed ID
Source
Journal of Visualized Experiments
ISSN of the container
1940087X
DOI of the container
10.3791/53731
Sources of information: Directorio de Producción Científica Scopus