Scintigraphic Evaluation of Lacrimal Glands Using a Rabbit Experimental Model

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish an experimental model to evaluate functional changes in lacrimal gland parenchyma using gamma scintigraphy. Although the lacrimal glands of the rabbit have frequently been used for ophthalmological research, scintigraphic evaluation of these glands has received far less attention and we could not find any reports concerning this topic in the literature. Ten rabbits were used for the study; in 4 of them, the orbital region was dissected to provide the topographic anatomy of the lacrimal glands. Four rabbits underwent a static scintigraphy after excision of a unilateral lacrimal gland. Changes in the pattern of tracer uptake indicated the exact position of the gland on the scintiscan. One rabbit served as a control, and another one was used to prove the surgical accessibility of the gland. Using a frontal projection of the head the ^99mTcO^–₄ uptake of the rabbit lacrimal glands could be identified and evaluated in the upper lateral region of the scintiscan. In conclusion, the lacrimal glands of the rabbit provide an appropriate experimental model to study quantitative disturbances of lacrimal secretion using scintigraphy and enable the assignment of functional impairment to morphological changes of the lacrimal parenchyma.

Pharmacological prevention of radiation-induced dry eye-an experimental study in a rabbit model

“…Lacrimal gland scintigraphy represents an objective and reproducible method to investigate the secretion and excretion of the inferior lacrimal gland in a non-invasive way [8]. In this study scintigraphy revealed a diminished excretion fraction in the irradiated group and the amifostine and pilocapine groups, whereas lidocaine reduced the radiation effect on the lacrimal gland output.…”

“…Dynamic studies were acquired with 90 frames at 30 s per frame in a 256× 256 matrix with zoom 4. Percentage uptake of the administered activity was calculated for the 10th-19th and 36th-45th min by summation of the appropriate frames and regions of interest of the inferior lacrimal gland as previously described [8]. Time-activity curves were registered and analyzed.…”

Early and late immunohistochemical and ultrastructural changes associated with functional impairment of the lachrymal gland following external beam radiation

“…Dynamic studies were acquired with 90 frames and 30 s per frame in 256 × 256 matrix with zoom 4. Percentage uptake of the administered activity was calculated for the 10th−19th and 36th−45th minute by summation of the appropriate frames and regions of interest (ROI) of the inferior lachrymal gland as previously described (Hakim et al . 2002).…”