Assessment of Drugs and Bioactive Compounds in Experimental Models of Ocular Sensitivity and Corneal Regeneration

The sensory innervation of the ocular surface is responsible for ocular sensations, as well as for maintaining the trophic state and proper hydration of the eye. The Ocular Neurobiology Group (ONG) studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the sensory neurons responsible for the neural regulation of ocular surface moisture. To this end, we use electrophysiological techniques (recording the activity of sensory receptors in nerve endings and axons) and psychophysical studies (analysing evoked sensations), focusing primarily on neurons responsible for sensations of dryness, discomfort and pain.

The following technology offer is available:

• Assessment of the effects of substances with potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity using in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiological recording models of sensory neurons and behavioural models.

Electrophysiological recording of the activity of trigeminal sensory neurons innervating the ocular surface and eyelids in anaesthetised rats.

Electrophysiological recording of the activity of sensory nerve endings innervating the ocular surface in an ex vivo mouse or guinea pig eye preparation.

Assessment of drugs in the aversive response (blinking frequency, scratching and washing movements) to ocular surface stimulation in mice, rats or guinea pigs.

Assessment by telemetry recording of the effects of drugs on the aversive response (intensity and duration of eyelid closure, blinking frequency and blinking pattern) to ocular surface stimulation in mice, rats and guinea pigs.

• Testing of drugs with trophic effects on tissue healing and nerve regeneration following experimental corneal injuries.

Studies of the rate and speed of epithelial regeneration (re-epithelialisation) following experimental corneal injuries in mice or guinea pigs.

Studies of the rate of corneal nerve regeneration following experimental injuries in mice or guinea pigs.

• Hypotensive activity of bioactive compounds capable of modifying intraocular pressure.

Study of the effects of drugs that modify aqueous humour production and/or drainage on intraocular pressure.

Assessment of the potential irritant effects of these compounds by electrophysiological recording of activity in sensory nerve endings innervating the ocular surface, using an ex vivo mouse or guinea pig eye preparation.

Electrophysiological recording in trigeminal sensory neurons and telemetry monitoring of the ocular surface are powerful tools for assessing the functional response of primary ocular sensory neurons.

• Assessment of the effects of substances with potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity in experimental models of sensory neurons and behavioural models.
• Testing of drugs with trophic effects on tissue healing and nerve regeneration following experimental corneal injuries.
• Hypotensive activity of bioactive compounds capable of modifying intraocular pressure.

The group has state-of-the-art technical research facilities and specialised scientific and technical staff.

Fully operational. The ONG group is already actively involved in innovation and pre-competitive research projects. Its methods have been internationally validated and are ready to be applied to new molecules or medical devices.

The knowledge and techniques developed by the ONG group are of particular interest to:

• Pharmaceutical Industry: Companies specialising in ophthalmology for the development of eye drops, ointments and systemic drugs targeting the eye.
• Biotechnology Industry: Development of growth factors, gene or cell therapies for corneal regeneration.
• Medical Device Companies (MedTech): Manufacturers of contact lenses, maintenance solutions and ocular dressings requiring biocompatibility and sensitivity testing.
• Cosmetics Sector: Assessment of the safety and potential irritant effects of products applied around the eye area.
• Research Centres and Universities: Collaboration on basic and applied research projects on pain mechanisms and sensory physiology.

Juana Gallar Martínez– Institute of Neurosciences