Changes of the ocular surface and aquaporins in the lacrimal glands of rabbits during pregnancy.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To test the hypotheses that pregnancy represents a physiologic condition that is associated with dry eye symptoms, and the expression of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and AQP5 are altered in the lacrimal gland (LG) from term pregnant rabbits.

Methods

Schirmer's test, tear break-up time (BUT), and Rose Bengal staining were used to evaluate ocular surface health. LG were obtained from term pregnant rabbits and age-matched female control rabbits and then processed for laser capture microdissection (LCM), real time RT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence for the detection and quantification of mRNA and proteins of AQP4 and AQP5.

Results

Pregnant rabbits demonstrated typical clinical symptoms of dry eye, including decreased Schirmer score and BUT as well as increased Ros

SUBMITTER: Ding C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3224838 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature