Figure 3. Comparison of collagen mRNA levels in peripheral and central corneal tissues following ovariohysterectomy. A, B, and C; Corneal tissues were collected from a cohort of 54-week-old control and ovariohysterectomized female rabbits. Corneal tissues were separated into peripheral and central parts by using a 6 mm biopsy punch. mRNA levels of collagen I, III, and V were determined by RT–PCR in these tissues. Values are plotted as a percentage of Collagen I, Collagen III, or Collagen V mRNA levels in normal control animals. Significant changes compared with normal controls are indicated (p<0.05, p=not significant [NS]).