Relationship between lacrimal gland, isolated cells (lacrimocytes) and tears: Biochemical and histological studies in the rabbit eye

Abstract

The rabbit defense system has a number of specific features: no lactoferrin and lysozyme are detectable and peroxidase activity is only demonstrated in the cubic epithelial cells of the ducts. Experiments carried out with radioactive amino acid, demonstrate the absence of secreted proteins with molecular weights corresponding to those of albumin and transferrin, indicating that these proteins are not synthesized by the lacrimal gland tissue. Rabbit tear pattern presents a set of acidic proteins secreted by the lacrimal gland tissue, with small molecular weight and acidic pI's.

IgA and secretory component (SC) in the third eyelid of domestic animals: a comparative study

“…A total of 83 third eyelids of adult dogs (8), cats (8), pigs (20), cows (27), sheep (9), goats (3), and horses (8) were investigated in this study. The animals were euthanized for various reasons other than ocular disorders.…”

“…Several authors conclude that the immunoglobulins are produced locally, and others suggest that they are mainly supplied from the bloodstream 17 . Sullivan and Allansmith, 18 for example, demonstrated that in the rat the major part of tear IgA comes from local production, as is also the case for humans and rabbits 5,19,20 . Although it is known that tears contain antibodies of the IgA isotype which are produced mainly by plasma cells of the lacrimal gland, very little is known about the antibody source and repertoires in the third eyelid in domestic animals.…”

“…17 Sullivan and Allansmith,18 for example, demonstrated that in the rat the major part of tear IgA comes from local production, as is also the case for humans and rabbits. 5,19,20 Although it is known that tears contain antibodies of the IgA isotype which are produced mainly by plasma cells of the lacrimal gland, very little is known about the antibody source and repertoires in the third eyelid in domestic animals. To assess whether IgA is derived from local synthesis, we analyzed the location of IgA-producing cells and the cellular distribution of SC in the third eyelid of domestic animals in a comparative study.…”

Lactoferrin Suppresses Loss of Corneal Epithelial Integrity in a Rabbit Short-Term Dry Eye Model

“…As a function of age, lactoferrin concentration tends to decrease (29). In contrast, rabbit tear fluid contains little lactoferrin, and transferrin is detected as an iron-binding protein (30). Therefore, it cannot be concluded from this model that lactoferrin acts on rabbit corneal epithelial cells and inhibits the méthylène blue staining of cornea.…”