MUC16 in the lacrimal apparatus |
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Authors: | Kristin Jäger Guangxi Wu Saadettin Sel Fabian Garreis Lars Bräuer Friedrich P Paulsen |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstr. 52, 06097 Halle, Saale, Germany;(2) School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China;(3) Department of Ophthalmology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saale, Germany |
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Abstract: | The aim of the present study was to determine the possible expression of the mucin MUC16 in the lacrimal apparatus. Expression
and distribution of MUC16 in lacrimal gland, accessory lacrimal glands, and nasolacrimal ducts was monitored by RT-PCR and
immunohistochemistry. MUC16 was expressed and detected in all tissues investigated. Comparable to conjunctiva and cornea it
was membrane-anchored in accessory lacrimal glands whereas in lacrimal gland acinar cells and columnar cells of the nasolacrimal
ducts it was stored in intracytoplasmic vesicles without membrane-association. Subepithelial serous glands of the nasolacrimal
ducts revealed staining of the secretion product. Intracelluar production of MUC16 is present in lacrimal gland and epithelial
cells of the nasolacrimal ducts but it is not clear whether this MUC16 is secreted. MUC16 seems to be shedded or secreted
from the epithelial surface of subepithelial serous glands of the nasolacrimal ducts. Our results show that MUC16 is present
in the whole lacrimal apparatus. Its distribution pattern suggests different physiological functions with regard to tear film
physiology and tear outflow. Moreover, the results demonstrate the existence of so far not recognized qualitative differences
in the secretion product of main lacrimal gland and accessory lacrimal glands (glands of Krause). |
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Keywords: | Mucin Lacrimal gland Accessory lacrimal gland Tear film Nasolacrimal ducts |
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