A Tear Production Assessment by Using Schirmer Tear Test Strips in Mice, Rats and Dogs

Abstract

Effects of atropine and pilocarpine on a tear production were assessed in mice, rats and dogs by using commercialized Schirmer tear test strips. The test strips were cut into strips of 1.5 mm width for mice, 3.0 mm width for rats and 5.0 mm width for dogs. Atropine was injected subcutaneously at 1 mg/kg for mice, rats and dogs, and pilocarpine was injected subcutaneously at 30 mg/kg for mice and rats or at 3 mg/kg for dogs. In all species, this Schirmer tear test was detected a decrease in tear production after the treatment of atropine and an increase after the treatment of pilocarpine. These results suggest that measurement of the tear production can be performed in various species by a use of variable width of the commercialized Schirmer tear test strips, and this modified method is useful for assessment of visual toxicity.