PurposeTo examine structural changes in the lacrimal sac epithelium and associated lymphoid tissue of rabbits with experimentally induced dacryocystitis.MethodsExperimental dacryocystitis was induced by an inoculation of Staphylococcus aureus into the lacrimal sac. The histological changes of the inflamed lacrimal sac epithelium and associated lymphoid tissue were studied by light and electron microscopy.ResultsAfter 1 month, numerous inflammatory cells (CD20-positive B lymphocytes, CD3-positive T lymphocytes, IgA-positive plasma cells, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes) infiltrated the lamina propria and the epithelium overlying the diffuse lymphoid tissue. Three months later, the density of the infiltrated leukocytes was markedly decreased. The epithelial lining overlying the diffuse lymphoid tissue became thicker with numerous secretory granules in the supranuclear regions.ConclusionThe lacrimal sac epithelium and associated lymphoid tissue play a major role in the defense mechanism during inflammation. Overproduction of secretory granules after bacterial inoculation could enhance the antimicrobial defense.
Purpose. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the clinicopathological features of dacryolithiasis and prevalence of associated infection in Japanese patients. Materials and Methods. Out of 13,471 outclinic patients from 2006 to 2011, 268 patients were scheduled to be performed dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) due to dacryocystitis with nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Actually 266 patients underwent dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and two patients were cured by only ophthalmic examination. Dacryoliths were found in 17 cases (6.3%). Among 17 cases of dacryolithiasis, three patients were male, and 14 were female. The age of the patients ranged from 32 to 82 (mean 67) years, and 13 cases (76%) were more than 65 years of age. Pathological examination disclosed the infectious agents in 9 cases (53%), and all patients with infection were more than 65 years of age. Special stains revealed colonies of fungus, suspicious of Aspergillus, in 6 cases and gram-positive rods, and suspicious of Actinomyces, in 3 cases. Conclusions. The current study showed the frequent association of infection with dacryolithiasis in aged Japanese patients. This should be taken into the consideration for the treatment of dacryolithiasis.
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