PURPOSE To determine which of the neurotrophins (NTs)-nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT3), and neurotrophin-4/5 (NT4)-and their receptors (NTrs), TrkA, TrkB, TrkC, and p75, are present in the adult rat lacrimal gland. METHODS RT-PCR was performed on RNA isolated from male rat lacrimal gland, using oligonucleotides specific to each NT and N...

PURPOSE To compared the ultrasound findings of the lacrimal sac between subjects with normal lacrimal systems those with chronic dacryocystitis. METHODS A retrospective study of 10 subjects with a normal lacrimal system (Group 1) and 10 with chronic dacryocystitis (Group 2) diagnosed according to B-mode ultrasound with a 10-MHz transducer and the direct-contact technique (AVISO, Quantel Medic...

PURPOSE Tears are known to have antimicrobial properties. The authors investigated the presence of the antibacterial enzyme phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in tears and lacrimal glands. METHODS The catalytic activity of PLA2 and the amount of pancreatic group 1 PLA2 and nonpancreatic group 2 PLA2 were measured in homogenates of eight human lacrimal glands from autopsied subjects and in tears from fou...

UNLABELLED Leishmaniasis infection may involve destruction of nasal tissues resulting in lacrimal drainage system alteration. PURPOSE To evaluate the frequency of lacrimal excretory system sequelae in patients treated for leishmaniasis. METHODS Forty-five leishmaniasis-treated patients (90 nasolacrimal ducts) were submitted to lacrimal excretory system evaluation. All were evaluated by Jone...

Previous research has demonstrated that distinct, gender-related differences exist in the morphology of the rat lacrimal gland. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether this sexual dimorphism is unique to the rat, or extends as well to other species. Lacrimal glands were collected from adult male and female rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits and humans (biopsies). Tissues were pr...

The sequential use of signaling pathways is essential for the guidance of pluripotent progenitors into diverse cell fates. Here, we show that Shp2 exclusively mediates FGF but not PDGF signaling in the neural crest to control lacrimal gland development. In addition to preventing p53-independent apoptosis and promoting the migration of Sox10-expressing neural crests, Shp2 is also required for ex...

Radiotherapy‑induced lacrimal gland injury is a serious clinical problem currently lacking satisfactory therapeutic strategies. Exploring the mechanisms underlying secondary injuries caused by radiation may aid in the development of novel targeted medicine. In the current study, growth arrest and DNA damage‑inducible 45 α (Gadd45a), a gene which is upregulated in irradiated skin, was observed a...

Lacrimal glands of mammals synthesise and secrete an aqueous solution in which different chemical substances are present i.e. protein and mucosubstances. The objective of current study was to determine of mucopolysachharides of camel lacrimal glands. Ten pairs of dorsal lacrimal glands, from ten adult camels were examined for normal histological and histochemical findings at the Mashhad abattoi...

Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the lacrimal sac is rare. Herein we report a 55-year-old female presented with epiphora in the right eye. Distention of the lacrimal sac secondary to nasolacrimal duct obstruction was observed. She was scheduled for external dacryocystorinostomy for the next month. When she came for surgery, a growing mass was recognised over the lacrimal sac region. On ...

BACKGROUND Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the lacrimal sac is extremely rare, with most reported cases representing secondary involvement of a systemic malignancy. METHODS The clinical record of a 70-year-old female who presented with epiphora and swelling of the lacrimal sac area is described. A review of the literature of patients with primary lacrimal sac lymphoma also is presented. R...