Time Course of Inflammation and Apoptosis in a Scopolamine–Induced Dry Eye Rat Model

International audience; Purpose: : Dry eye syndrome is due to tear secretion deficiency or excessive tear evaporation leading to tear film instability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time course of inflammation and apoptosis in a scopolamine–induced dry eye rat model. Methods: : Osmotic pumps continuously delivering scopolamine (12.5mg/d) were implanted subcutaneously in female Lewis rats for 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, 17 and 28 days. During the treatment, the corneal status was assessed by fluorescein impregnation and tears were collected for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) immunoassay. At the end of the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed and the ocular tissues and the lacrimal glands w…