Lacrimal gland microenvironment changes after obstruction of lacrimal gland ducts

Abstract

Purpose : To investigate the pathological changes of lacrimal gland after obstruction of lacrimal gland ducts.

Methods : The ducts of right lacrimal glands were ligated in 8-week-old SD rats, while the left lacrimal glands were used as sham operation group for different durations from one day to 21 days. After that the blocking of the ducts were released. Slit lamp microscope and Phenol red thread tear secretion test were performed to evaluate the ocular surface and lacrimal gland function. The tissues were harvested and processed for H&E staining, Oil red O staining, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Results : After blocking the ducts of lacrimal gland, the tear secretion gradually decreased from day 1 to day 5, and slightly restored after 14 days. The weight of lacrimal gland increased at day 1 after ligation and gradually decreased from day 3 to day 21. There was dilation of acini ducts after ligation for 3 days and normal structure of lacrimal gland acini was destroyed after that. Inflammatory cell infiltration became obvious after ligation for 7 days. Oil red O staining showed lipid accumulation in acini started from day 1 and gradually increased. Alpha-SMA staining revealed decreased and disorganized myoepithelial cells after ligation for 3 days. After unblocking the ducts, tear secretion and the structure of acini were recovered in less than 7 day ligation groups. There was increased proliferation of duct cells and acini cells after release of duct ligation.

Conclusions : Blockage of lacrimal gland ducts may result in dystrophy of lacrimal gland acini cells, inflammation and lipid accumulation of lacrimal gland microenvironment. Long term duct blockage will cause irreversible lacrimal gland failure.

This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2017 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Baltimore, MD, May 7-11, 2017.