Linear compartmental analysis was applied to lacrimal scintigraphy data from asymptomatic and obstructed lacrimal systems. Failure to achieve satisfactory results in most of the asymptomatic systems studied suggests that variable tear flow is a feature of normal lacrimal drainage which precludes linear analysis. However, in cases where the analysis was successful the results were consistent wit...

PURPOSE To compare gene expression profiles of lacrimal gland duct and acinar cells after laser capture microdissection (LCM) and identify molecular networks related to K+ secretion, testing the hypothesis that duct cells are responsible for high K+ levels in tears. METHODS Frozen sections of lacrimal glands from five rats were subjected to LCM to isolate pure samples of duct and acinar cells...

The Lacrimal apparatus starts from the lacrimal gland and ends at the Nasolacrimal ducts. The apparatus consists of the lacrimal gland and the lacrimal pathway. The integrity of the Lacrimal Apparatus in its secretory function and in its drainage mechanism is most vital for the normal functioning of the eye. Any factor which upsets the drainage mechanism distal to the sac or at the Nasolacrimal...

The lacrimal system is comprised of the lacrimal glands for tear production and the lacrimal drainage system for draining tears away from the eyes. Congenital lacrimal system anomalies other than nasolacrimal duct obstruction are uncommon. Congenital lacrimal fistulae are a rare developmental anomaly, and when they occur, they are usually unilateral. Fistulae and diverticulae can originate from...

Dear Editor, Recently, we experienced two cases of lacrimal sac tumors discovered in patients who presented with persistent epiphora after receiving dacryocystorhynostomy (DCR). A 75-year-old female visited the clinic complaining persistent epiphora in the right eye for 5 years. The patient was diagnosed with nasolacrimal duct obstruction in the right eye and received a DCR twice 2 years ago at...

PURPOSE In lacrimal glands, cell-cell interactions control the localization of lymphocyte populations that play a role in immune defense at the ocular surface. This study describes lymphocyte adhesive interactions with cultured lacrimal gland acinar epithelial cells. METHODS Primary cultures of lacrimal gland epithelial cells were used as targets for in vitro lymphocyte binding assays. The re...

Introduction: This study was done to determine the site of obstruction in lacrimal drainage system in Asian patients suffering from epiphora and to determine the transit time taken for the tracer material to reach the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity. Methods:Dacryoscintigraphy was performed using radionuclide technetium-99m pertechnetate (99m...

PURPOSE To determine whether the lining epithelium of the human lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct synthesizes TFF peptides (formerly P-domain peptides, trefoil factors), a family of mucin-associated secretory peptides. METHODS Expression of TFF peptides in human lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal ducts was monitored by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Ant...