Prolactin Inducible Protein, but Not Prolactin, Is Present in Human Tears, Is Involved in Tear Film Quality, and Influences Evaporative Dry Eye Disease.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Decreased production of the aqueous component of the tear film is an important cause of the development of dry eye disease (DED). Tear production is influenced by hormones and hormone-like factors. Prolactin (PLR), a multifunctional pituitary gland hormone, is regularly present in the lacrimal gland of rats and rabbits. In humans, serum PLR concentration correlates with tear quality. To gain deeper insights of possible effects of PRL, prolactin receptor (PRLR) and prolactin inducible protein (PIP), we analyzed the three proteins in the human lacrimal apparatus and in reflex tears of healthy volunteers as well as patients suffering from DED.

Methods

Gene expression of PRLR and PIP was analyzed by RT-PCR in cadaveric human lacrimal gland and ocular surface tissues, imm

SUBMITTER: Jungert K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9279896 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature