Tear protein analysis in presumed congenital alacrima

Abstract

ObjectivesIt is often hard to reach a definitive diagnosis of congenital alacrima because of the difficultly in proving the lack of lacrimal tissue. We report here the distinct tear protein profile in presumed congenital alacrima.Patients and methodsA 13-year-old girl with presumed congenital alacrima and 15 healthy volunteers aged 23–35 years were included in this study. Tears were collected using Schirmer strips, and tear protein analyses were performed. Tear samples were collected from the patient with alacrima before and after surgical punctal occlusion of both the upper and lower puncta, and tear protein extract was fractionated using HPLC. Lactoferrin and albumin concentrations in the tears were separately determined using ELISA.ResultsThe chromatogram in the patient greatly differed from that in normal subjects with low concentrations of secretory IgA, lipocalin-1, and lysozyme. ELISA results indicated that the tear fluid in the patient contained a high concentration of albumin but a minimal concentration of lactoferrin. Punctal occlusion improved the ocular surface findings, but major lacrimal protein concentrations remained low and tear albumin concentrations further increased.ConclusionThe tear protein profile of a patient with presumed congenital alacrima greatly differed from that of normal subjects. Tear protein analysis may be useful in making a diagnosis of congenital alacrima and in assessing the efficacy and mechanism of punctal occlusion.

Protein expression of the tear film of domestic cats before and after inoculation with Toxoplasma gondii

“… Immunoglobulin heavy variable The most abundant heavy-chain immunoglobulin in the TF is IgA, along with lysozyme, lactoferrin, and lipocalin. Its main function is to defend the ocular mucosa against pathogens [ 32 , 65 ]. Selenium-binding protein It acts to regulate oxidative stress and is secreted by the lacrimal gland.…”

“…Lactotransferrin is produced by acinar cells of the main and accessory lacrimal glands. It is one of the proteins with the strongest antimicrobial action in the tear film, together with lipocalins, lysozyme and IgA [ 32 ]. Within the network, this protein belongs to cluster 3, represented by the defense response process.…”

Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) Expression in Healthy Dog Tears

“…Total proteins were determined by using the Bradford method [31] according to the manufacturer's recommendation. The absorbance was measured at 595 nm by using a plate reader (Multiskan FC; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) as reported previously [32]. The protein concentrations were determined using a bovine serum albumin (BSA) calibration curve.…”