Results
Excision of extraorbital glands induced chemical and mechanical corneal hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behavior
Dry eye model was established through extraorbital lacrimal gland removal. Palpebral closure responses to ocular application of capsaicine and menthol within 30 s were significantly increased from 14 days and lasted up to 28 days (P<0.0001, Fig. 1a-b) compared to the Sham group. The corneal mechanical threshold measured by the proportion of blink responses to von Frey filaments 0.008 g, and 0.02 g (Fig. 1 c, d) was 50% and 60% lower in the DE group. The open field test was then applied. There was no significant difference in total traveled distance between groups, while the time in the center area was significantly reduced in DE (P< 0.001, Fig. 1f, g). In general, excision of extraorbital glands induces chemical and mechanical corneal hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behavior.