Eye wipe test: validation of C-fiber desensitization
Objectives
This behavorial test evaluates the efficacy of C-fiber desensitization following a capsaicin pre-treatment 4 days prior the eye wipe test.
Summarized methodology
After an acclimation period, the animal is placed on a 50 x 50-cm table and a single drop of a 100 µg/ml capsaicin solution is instilled into one eye. Then, the animal is observed during a 2-min period, and the eye is extensively rinsed with physiological saline. During the 2-min observation period, the number of defensive wiping movements is counted. C-fibers are considered as desensitized when the defensive wiping movements are almost absent (figure 1).
Endpoints
- number of defensive wiping movements as an index of C-fiber sensitivity
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Links to applicable Targeted disorders / Pathophysiological models