The rabbit as an animal model for post-natal vitreous matrix differentiation and degeneration

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluates whether rabbits are a suitable animal model to study post-natal vitreous differentiation and degeneration. Methods: Human and rabbit eyes of various ages were studied by complementary anatomical techniques, light microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Results: The global vitreous matrix organization is similar in human and rabbit eyes, lamellae are an important aspect thereof and show striking morphological changes with increasing age. In humans, liquefaction is more conspicuous than in rabbits but changes in matrix histology consistent with liquefaction can also be observed in the latter. Conclusions: Lamellar development is consistent with vitreous differentiation, while increasing liquefaction is consistent with matrix degeneration. At the anatomical and histological levels, human and rabbit vitreous matrices are sufficiently similar to make the rabbit a promising animal model for the study of the pathogenesis of vitreous matrix differentiation and degeneration in more detail.