Macroscopic Characteristics of Lacrimal Glands in Select Laboratory Research Animals.

Species-specific lacrimal gland anatomy varies significantly and is essential for preclinical DED research design.

This comparative anatomical study examined lacrimal gland (LG) macroscopic characteristics across five common laboratory animal species used in preclinical research. Researchers collected and measured lacrimal glands from rats (n=12), rabbits (n=9), dogs (n=9), mini swine (n=12), and non-human primates (n=20) that had been enrolled in toxicology and pharmacokinetic studies. All animals underwent ocular health screening prior to LG collection. Measurements included width, length, and weight of isolated glands. Results demonstrated significant species variation: cynomolgus monkeys exhibited the widest glands (11.7±0.41 mm), New Zealand White rabbits had the longest glands (20.2±0.09 mm), beagle dogs possessed the heaviest glands (337.9±89.5 mg), and rats had the lightest intraorbital glands (13.5±1.9 mg). These anatomical baseline data provide essential reference values for researchers developing novel dry eye disease treatments. Understanding species-specific LG anatomy is critical for accurate preclinical modeling, appropriate dosing considerations, and translational relevance when evaluating therapeutic interventions targeting lacrimal gland pathology.

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