Abstract
Purpose: :
The aim of this study was to develop a lacrimal gland atrophy model in mice which can be applied for studies with regenerative approach for lacrimal gland dysfunctions.
Methods: :
Anatomical observation of the blood vessels in the mouse exorbital lacrimal gland (EOL) was performed, first. We found that there are two artery systems nourishing EOL, one from ocular artery downstream of internal carotid artery, another from branches downstream of external carotid artery. The latter is the main blood vessels nourishing postnatal mouse EOL supplying about 70% of tissue blood flow to EOL. We cauterized this artery system by a burned needle under general anesthesia. Wet weight and tissue blood flow of EOL and volume of total tear fluid were measured before and 3 weeks after operation, in addition to the conventional histological observation.
Results: :
Histologically, EOL after cauterization showed severe atrophy of glandular epithelium especially in the terminal acini and fibrotic change in the stroma (Figure). Tissue blood flow of EOL measured by a laser blood flow meter decreased 70-80% just after operation, however, it recovered mostly in three weeks. On the other hand, in a week after cauterization, wet weight of EOL decreased by 50% and the weight loss did not recovered in three weeks. Significant decrease of tear fluid was observed in the eye after cauterization, however, pathological finding in cornea such as erosion and ulceration were not observed.
Keywords: lacrimal gland • regeneration