J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2022 Aug;63(8):660-668. 10.3341/jkos.2022.63.8.660.

Benzalkonium Chloride for Experimental Dry Eye Induction in a Rabbit Model

• Yoon HS
• Jin R
• Yoon HJ
• Yoon KC

• KMID: 2533053
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2022.63.8.660

Abstract

Purpose
This study compared the clinical parameters and histological findings according to the benzalkonium chloride concentration (BAC; 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2%) for inducing experimental dry eye (EDE) in a rabbit model.
Methods
Rabbits were divided into four groups according to the BAC concentration: untreated group, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% BAC. BAC was instilled topically in both eyes of the rabbits twice daily until they were euthanized after 14 days. Tear volume, tear break-up time (TBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining score (CFS) were measured 0, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after treatment. After excising tissues on day 14, the conjunctival goblet cell density and corneal epithelial apoptosis were quantified.
Results
The tear volume and TBUT were lower and the CFS was higher than baseline values after 14, 10, and 5 days in the 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% BAC groups, respectively (all p < 0.05). At 14 days, the 0.2% BAC group showed more significant aggravation of all clinical parameters, and the 0.1% BAC group had a lower CFS (all p < 0.05) than the 0.05% BAC group. In all BAC groups, the conjunctival goblet cell density was lower and corneal epithelial apoptosis was significantly higher than in the untreated group (all p < 0.01). The conjunctival goblet cell density was lower in the 0.2% BAC group than in the 0.05% BAC group. Between-group differences in corneal epithelial apoptosis were observed in all experimental groups (all p < 0.01).
Conclusions
Instilling BAC for 14 days induced EDE in the 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% BAC groups. Although 0.2% BAC cannot be used for a severe EDE model, it is useful for inducing EDE in a rabbit model in a short time.

Keyword

Benzalkonium chloride; Dry eye; Rabbit model