We employed a monoclonal antibody to cellular retinoic acid-binding protein (CRABP) to assess the presence and localization of this retinoid-binding protein in the lacrimal gland of the rat. Immunoblots of extracts of rat lacrimal gland showed specific immunostaining of lacrimal CRABP in the region 14-16 kDa. Sections of rat lacrimal glands that were stained with anti-CRABP antibodies showed re...

PURPOSE To assess whether the lacrimal gland is a possible site of synthesis of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and to characterize TGF-alpha biochemically in human tears. METHODS Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification was used to analyze rat lacrimal glands for the presence of TGF-alpha mRNA. Specific monoclonal antibodies were used to localize TG...

Chronic administration of aL-isoproterenoi, a ~-adrenergic agonist, to male Sprague-Dawley rats increased submandibular gland weights by 3 to 4-fold. This increase resulted from a combination of hyperplasia and hypertrophy of secretory cells. Possible effects of this drug regimen on submandibular gland muscarinic acetylcholine receptors were examined by analysis of the binding of the cholinergi...

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the histochemical distribution of carbonic anhydrase (CA) in lacrimal glands from rats and rabbits; and to determine if age- and/or sex-related differences exist in the amount and distribution of CA in the rat lacrimal gland. METHODS Lacrimal glands from young (3-12 wk) and aged (2-2.5 yr), male and female F344 rats and male rabbits were fixed ...

BACKGROUND The clinical picture of IgG4-related sclerosing disease (IgG4-RSD) may mimic lymphoma, and should be in the differential diagnosis of patients with this clinical picture. CASE SUMMARY A 32-year-old female had recurrent swelling of both eyelids for more than 15 years. Examination revealed elastic, firm, swollen lacrimal glands about 2-3 cm in diameter that was not painful. Head and ...

Investigation of bovine lacrimal and harderian glands revealed the presence of the enzyme lactoperoxidase, which was isolated and purified. A nonheme, iron-containing protein was identified at the same time. Both proteins are present in milk, mammary glands, and salivary glands. Their roles are discussed: The lactoperoxidase may be important in controlling bacterial flora.

This study investigated the effects of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) on protein and cation levels in ocular tissues (lenses, cornea, lacrimal glands and retina with sclera) of rats. Diabetic rats and their lacrimal glands weighed significantly less (p < 0.05) than age-matched controls. Diabetic animals also had significantly (p < 0.05) elevated blood glucose and significan...

BACKGROUND Pyogenic lacrimal gland abscesses are uncommon and thus may not be immediately clinically recognized without a high index of suspicion. FINDINGS We present two patients with preseptal cellulitis and characteristic low-attenuation fluid collections in the lacrimal glands demonstrated on computed tomography (CT). CONCLUSIONS Lacrimal gland abscesses should be considered when dacryo...