Abstract
Purpose: :
To investigate lacrimal gland production of the pro-inflammatory modulator interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha).
Methods: :
This study was performed in New Zealand white rabbits. Main lacrimal glands were collected from unwounded control eyes and from eyes at 24 hours after 7.0 mm corneal epithelial debridment wounds generated in conjunction with corneal riboflavin-UV treatments. The lacrimal glands were harvested, placed in OCT, and frozen. Sections were evaluated for IL-1 alpha using immunocytochemistry and control sections were incubated with 10X concentration IL-1 alpha blocking peptide.
Results: :
Basal Il-1 alpha expression was observed in the lacrimal glands of eyes with uninjured corneas. IL-1 alpha levels increased in the main lacrimal gland after corneal injury.
Conclusions: :
The lacrimal gland may provide another source for IL-1 alpha in tears. IL-1 alpha from the lacrimal gland may contribute to the many cellular effects mediated by IL-1 during the corneal response to injury.
Keywords: lacrimal gland • inflammation • immunohistochemistry