Experimental studies using confocal in vivo mi- croscopy can be performed in laboratory ani- mals. The different corneal layers, the conjunc- tiva, the iris, and the lens can be evaluated in
animals at the cellular level, under normal or pathological conditions. The advantage of this technique is that the animals do not need to be sacrificed.
Confocal In Vivo Microscopy in Animal Experiments
8
180 Chapter 8 Confocal In Vivo Microscopy in Animal Experiments
Fig. 8.1 a–h Rabbits.aPhotograph of a New Zealand white rabbit.bSuperficial corneal cells.cBasal corneal cells.dAnterior stroma.
a b
c d
8.1
Rabbits
8.1 Rabbits 181
Fig. 8.1 (continued) ePosterior stroma.fEndothelium.g, hConjunctival superficial cells and goblet cells (round reflective cells)
e f
g h
182 Chapter 8 Confocal In Vivo Microscopy in Animal Experiments
Fig. 8.2 Rats: normal corneal structures. a Photo- graph of a Lewis rat.bSuperficial corneal cells.cBasal
corneal cells.dAnterior stroma with a corneal nerve (reflective).ePosterior stroma fcorneal endothelium a
c d
e f
8.2 Rats
b
8.2 Rats 183
Fig. 8.3 Experimental studies: rat model of ocular surface toxicity.aSlit-lamp photograph of a rat cornea after 11 days of benzalkonium chloride (0.5%) instillation. Corneal opacification and neovascularization.bConfocal in vivo microscopy of the cornea, oblique section. Corneal metaplasia with irregular basal cells and reflective nuclei.
Stromal infiltration and neovascularization.
cHistology: excellent correlation with confocal in vivo microscopy.dAbnormal corneal basal cells. Reflective nuclei, polymorphism and flattened cells.eAbnormal stroma. Neovascularization and infiltration by inflammatory cells
a b
c d
e
184 Chapter 8 Confocal In Vivo Microscopy in Animal Experiments
Fig. 8.4 a–g Mice.aPhotograph of a Swiss mouse.bSuperficial corneal cells.cBasal corneal cells.dAnteri- or stroma with corneal nerves (reflective structures)
a b
c d
8.3
Mice
8.3 Mice 185
Fig. 8.4 (continued) ePosterior stroma.
fEndothelial cells.gLens fibers
e f
g
186 Chapter 8 Confocal In Vivo Microscopy in Animal Experiments
Fig. 8.5 Monkeys.aPhotograph of a monkey.
bSuperficial corneal cells.cBasal corneal cells.
dLimbus. Black corneal cells and hyperreflective conjunctival cells.eIris
a b
c d
e
