Intraocular pressure reference intervals in different laboratory animal species
https://doi.org/10.52419/issn2072-2419.2026.1.243
Abstract
Ophthalmotonometry is a non-invasive method for recording intraocular pressure (IOP) and is widely used in preclinical studies for the early detection of toxic effects and a comprehensive assessment of the pharmacological activity of drugs. This article presents the reference intervals for intraocular pressure in cynomolgus macaques, dwarf pigs, rats, and Pannon and Soviet Chinchilla rabbits. The reference intervals were obtained from healthy cynomolgus macaques (n=50), Wistar rats (n=80), dwarf pigs (n=36), Soviet Chinchilla (n=80), and White Pannon (n=62) rabbits at JSC NPO DOM PHARMATII between May 2024 and July 2025. Measurements were performed in sexually mature and immature males and females (non-pregnant and nulliparous, ignoring the estrous cycle phase). Measurements were performed using a TonoVet veterinary tonometer on male and female laboratory animals of various ages. The smallest variation in individual IOP values was observed in Soviet Chinchilla and White Pannon rabbits, not exceeding 10.5%. The vast majority of studies published in experimental ophthalmology use New Zealand albino rabbits (a New Zealand breed). However, excluding animals with melanin-containing eyes significantly reduces the translational value of the research, as most humans have pigmented eyes. These results can be used in preclinical drug toxicity studies, in assessing the pharmacological activity of antihypertensive drugs in in vivo glaucoma models, and in diagnosing diseases in exotic animals.
About the Authors
A. A. Golovina
RMC «HOME OF PHARMACY»
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Research Scientist of the Department of Specific Pharmacology and Microbiology
A. E. Katelnikova
RMC «HOME OF PHARMACY»
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Candidate of Sciences in Medicine, Head of the department of Specific Pharmacology and Microbiology
M. N. Makarova
RMC «HOME OF PHARMACY»
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Doctor of Sciences in Biology, Director
V. D. Karanina
RMC «HOME OF PHARMACY»
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Candidate of Sciences in Veterinary, Deputy Head of the
Department of Specific Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics
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Review
For citations:
Golovina A.A., Katelnikova A.E., Makarova M.N., Karanina V.D. Intraocular pressure reference intervals in different laboratory animal species. International Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 2026;(1):243-253. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.52419/issn2072-2419.2026.1.243
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