A Simple Method to Dissect, Orientate, and Visualize the Murine Limbal Stem Cell Niche with Cornea and Conjunctiva Attached.

The limbus is a narrow tissue intersection between the cornea and conjunctiva which is purported to harbor stem cells (SCs) that replenish the corneal epithelium throughout life. Damage to these cells can result in debilitating visual consequences. To date, various immunohistochemical methods have been employed to investigate limbal morphology and identify SC location to improve their isolation for therapeutic use.

Temporoorbital pulse rate can be obtained in ball pythons (Python regius) of any size and age and agrees with heart rate.

Background: Currently, a standardised technique to obtain pulse rate in reptiles is lacking. We evaluated the feasibility of obtaining a temporoorbital pulse rate in ball pythons of various ages and sizes and whether it agreed with the heart rate.

Methods: Heart rate and pulse rate were recorded in 40 ball pythons (Python regius) weighing between 0.

Development and characterization of a preclinical mouse model of alkali-induced limbal stem cell deficiency.

Purpose: Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) secondary to ocular surface alkali burn is a blinding condition that features corneal conjunctivalization. Mechanistic insights into its pathophysiology are lacking. Here, we developed a mouse model that recapitulates human disease to comprehensively delineate the clinicopathological features of a conjunctivalized cornea.

Addition of a metoclopramide constant rate infusion to prevent ptyalism, regurgitation and vomiting in brachycephalic dogs undergoing spinal surgery.

Objective: To assess whether adding metoclopramide to a protocol of maropitant and pantoprazole would reduce incidence of ptyalism, vomiting and regurgitation in brachycephalic dogs undergoing thoracolumbar spinal surgery.

Study Design: Randomized blinded controlled trial.

Animals: A total of 43 brachycephalic dogs undergoing thoracolumbar spinal surgery.

A detailed survey of the murine limbus, its stem cell distribution, and its boundaries with the cornea and conjunctiva.

The narrow intersection between the cornea and conjunctiva, otherwise known as the limbus, is purported to harbor stem cells (SCs) that replenish the ocular surface epithelium throughout life. Damage to this site or depletion of its SCs can have dire consequences for eye health and vision. To date, various SC and keratin proteins have been used to identify the limbus, however, none could definitively mark its boundaries.