Capsaicin eye wipe test

The capsaicin eye wipe test was performed three weeks after the RTX treatment. Animals were acclimated to the behavioral testing environment three days before commencing the behavioral test that was performed within the same room as their cage to reduce stress. Mice were gently restrained, 10 μl of 3 mM of a capsaicin solution (Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) was applied to the left cornea of the mouse. Mice were video recorded during each session immediately after capsaicin application [69]. Observers unaware of treatment counted the number of wipes (via the ipsilateral forepaw) within a minute after application of the solution. Normal facial grooming behavior was not included.