A preliminary study on the establishment of an animal model of conjunctivochalasis.

Aim: To explore a feasible method on the establishment of an animal model of conjunctivochalasis (CCH).

Methods: Twelve clean-grade New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups (=3/group): the control group (one received no interventions, and the others underwent subconjunctival injection of sterile water), the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) group (administered subconjunctival injection of MMP-3), the aging group (administered subcutaneous injection of D-galactose), the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) solution group (administered eye drops of TNF-α). Anterior segment photography, conjunctival tissue light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed after 12wk.

Results: Among all groups, the MMPs group had the following changes: the looser connection between the inferior bulbar conjunctiva and sclera; the more disordered collagen fibers (Trichrome staining) and the broken elastic fibers (Aldehyde-fuchsin staining); the focal necrosis of fibroblasts (TEM).

Conclusion: Administration of MMPs may be a feasible method for the establishment of an animal model of CCH.