Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: We previously reported alterations in lacrimal gland gene expression in the mouse using gene arrays at 3 hours and 24 hours following corneal trauma. We extended this study to 15 days to evaluate the long term changes in gene expression. Methods: Four mice for each time point were subjected to silver nitrate corneal burns, and the mRNA extracted from their lacrimal glands. Fluorometric arrays containing 10,000 genes were performed at the core facility at OHSU. We evaluate the results with Genespring software. Results: We found three phases in gene expression over the 15 days tested. Initially down regulation predominated at 3 hours: 891 genes were expressed less than 0.75 fold of control levels compared with 607 genes that were up more than 1.25 fold. This shifted to predominantly up regulation at 8 hours with 1313 genes up regulated versus 936 down. The trend continued at three days with 1951 genes up regulated and 326 down. At 5 days the pattern reversed with 1263 up regulated and 1689 down. Down regulation persisted through 15 days with 696 genes up regulated and 1092 down regulated. Conclusions: This study confirms our previous P32 microarray results using a different and larger gene array and a different, two-color fluorometric technique. Our results reveal persistent changes in gene expression in the lacrimal gland following corneal trauma. This supports our hypothesis that a corneal feedback mechanism exists and that corneal stress modifies lacrimal gland function. This may explain some aspects of altered lacrimal function and dry eye that occur after lasik surgery, contact lens wear, and blepharitis.
Keywords: lacrimal gland • gene microarray • gene/expression