THI lacrimal gland is innervated by the lacrimal, the facial, and the cervical sympathetic nerves; the anatomical and functional characteristics of each were briefly summarized in a previous communication (Whitwell, 1958). Overwhelming evidence points to the fact that the lacrimal nerve is not secretory in function, but is purely the afferent path ofa reflex arc. Similarly, the facial nerve is ...

PURPOSE The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a significant virulence determinant for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using a rodent model, we found that contact lens (CL)-related corneal infections were associated with lens surface biofilms. Here, we studied the impact of human tear fluid on CL-associated biofilm growth and T3SS expression. METHODS P. aeruginosa biofilms were formed on contact len...

The precorneal tear film with its lacrimal, mucinous, and meibomian secretions is es­ sential for maintaining the structural in­ tegrity of the cornea in general and for en­ suring optical regularity of its anterior surface in particular. Replenishment and mixing of its components is brought about by normal blinking when the upper eyelid tarsal conjunctiva, preceded by the marginal tear strip, ...

Dry eye syndrome (DES, Keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a common disorder of the tear film caused by decreased tear production or increased evaporation. Changes in tear composition also promote inflammation on the ocular surface by various mechanisms. Artificial tear drops, tear retention treatment, stimulation of tear secretion, or anti-inflammatory drugs may be used for dry eye treatment accord...

PURPOSE The main function of the lacrimal gland is to produce the most aqueous component of the tear film covering the surfaces of the cornea and the conjunctiva. Studies have been conducted that characterize the mixed fluid and protein secretion of isolated acini, but no methods have been developed to characterize lacrimal gland ductal cell (LGDC) secretion. Secretory mechanisms of ductal epit...

PURPOSE To compare tear film metrics in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) and healthy controls and investigate the association between peripheral neuropathy and ocular surface quality. METHODS Dry eye symptoms were quantified in 53 patients with type 1 DM and 40 age-matched controls. Ocular examination included tear film lipid layer thickness grading, tear film stability and quantit...

In addition to circulation, where it transfers phospholipids between lipoprotein particles, phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) was also identified as a component of normal tear fluid. The purpose of this study was to clarify the secretion route of tear fluid PLTP and elucidate possible interactions between PLTP and other tear fluid proteins. Human lacrimal gland samples were stained with mono...

BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, characterized by widespread small vessel vasculopathy, immune dysregulation with production of autoantibodies, and progressive fibrosis. Changes in levels of proangiogenic cytokines had already been determined largely in serum. Our aim was to assess the levels of VEGF in human tears of patients with SSC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-three ...