The inhibitory mechanism of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on the fibroblasts from Tenon's capsule was studied. By using immunohistochemical SP method and pathological image system, the inhibitory effects of IFN-gamma on the expression of transforming growth factor beta receptor I in the in vitro cultured fibroblasts from Tenon's capsule were quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that IFN-gamma could reduce the expression of transforming growth factor beta receptor I in the fibroblasts with the following dose-effect relationship: Y = 1937.5-134.2 Igx (r=-0.971, P<0.01). It was concluded that IFN-gamma could inhibit the expression of transforming growth factor beta receptor I in the fibroblasts from Tenon's capsule. The modulation of the transforming growth factor beta receptor I expression by IFN-gamma may be beneficial to the alleviation of the hyperplasia of scar after trabeculectomy.
Conjunctiva ; metabolism ; pathology ; Connective Tissue ; drug effects ; Fibroblasts ; metabolism ; pathology ; Filtering Surgery ; Glaucoma ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Interferon-gamma ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta ; analysis

Conjunctiva ; surgery ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Eye Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Nerve Sheath Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Reoperation ; S100 Proteins ; metabolism

This study was performed to evaluate the changes of tear film and ocular surface caused by smoking. Symptom scoring, tear film break-up time (BUT), basal tear secretion test, corneal sensitivity test, keratoepitheliopathy scoring, and conjunctival impression cytology were performed in 29 smokers (58 eyes) and 26 non-smokers (52 eyes). Tear film BUT, basal tear secretion, corneal sensitivity, and squamous metaplasia were 7.71 +/- 2.66 sec, 6.29 +/- 2.85 mm, 53.69 +/- 5.69 mm, and 2.45 +/- 1.26 in smokers and 9.62 +/- 3.14 sec, 10.04 +/- 3.87 mm, 56.46 +/- 4.79 mm, and 1.12 +/- 0.83 in non-smokers, respectively (p< 0.05). Symptom score, keratoepitheliopathy score, and goblet cell density were not significantly different between the two groups. Tear film BUT was shorter, basal tear secretion and corneal sensitivity were lower, and squamous metaplasia was higher in heavy smokers than in light smokers. In conclusion, smoking deteriorates the tear film and ocular surface with decreased quantity and quality of tear film, decreased corneal sensitivity, and squamous metaplasia, and this deterioration is related to the amount of smoking.
Adult ; Aged ; Cell Count ; Conjunctiva/*metabolism/pathology ; Cornea/*metabolism/pathology ; Epithelial Cells/pathology ; Goblet Cells/metabolism/pathology ; Humans ; Lacrimal Apparatus/*metabolism/physiopathology ; Male ; Metaplasia ; Middle Aged ; Smoking/*metabolism/physiopathology ; Tears/chemistry/*secretion

A study of histopathologic changes, ultrastructure, and expression of the HLA-Dr antigen within the giant papillae of patients with giant papillary conjunctivitis was performed to determine whether cell-mediated immune response is related to this condition. Conjunctival giant papillae from ten patients with giant papillary conjunctivitis were examined by light and electron microscopy and by the indirect immunofluorescent staining method with HLA-Dr antibody. The infiltration of eosinophilic neutrophils and granules was most prominent, with the occasional infiltration of mast cells, as shown by light microscopy. The infiltration of activated fibroblasts and Langerhans cells was also observed. Cells expressing HLA-Dr antigen were also markedly increased, as shown by the immunofluorescent method. These findings suggest that delayed hypersensitivity may, along with the processes of antigen presentation by HLA-Dr-expressing (including Langerhans) cells, contribute to the pathogenesis of giant papillary conjunctivitis.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Conjunctiva/metabolism/*ultrastructure ; Conjunctivitis, Allergic/*metabolism/*pathology ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect ; HLA-DR Antigens/*biosynthesis ; Humans ; Immunity, Cellular ; Langerhans Cells/*ultrastructure ; Microscopy, Electron ; Middle Aged

PURPOSE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of mineral oil (MO) and hyaluronic acid (HA) mixture eye drops on the tear film and ocular surface in a mouse model of experimental dry eye (EDE). METHODS: Eye drops consisting of 0.1% HA alone or mixed with 0.1%, 0.5%, or 5.0% MO were applied to desiccating stress-induced murine dry eyes. Tear volume, corneal irregularity score, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining scores were measured at 5 and 10 days after treatment. Ten days after treatment, goblet cells in the conjunctiva were counted after Periodic acid-Schiff staining. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the tear volume between desiccating stress-induced groups. The corneal irregularity score was lower in the 0.5% MO group compared with the EDE and HA groups. The 0.5% and 5.0% MO groups showed a significant improvement in TBUT compared with the EDE group. Mice treated with 0.1% and 0.5% MO mixture eye drops showed a significant improvement in fluorescein staining scores compared with the EDE group and the HA group. The conjunctival goblet cell count was higher in the 0.5% MO group compared with the EDE group and HA group. CONCLUSIONS: The MO and HA mixture eye drops had a beneficial effect on the tear films and ocular surface of murine dry eye. The application of 0.5% MO and 0.1% HA mixture eye drops could improve corneal irregularity, the corneal fluorescein staining score, and conjunctival goblet cell count compared with 0.1% HA eye drops in the treatment of EDE.
Animals ; Conjunctiva/*drug effects/pathology ; Cornea/metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drug Combinations ; Dry Eye Syndromes/*drug therapy/metabolism ; Emollients/administration & dosage ; Female ; Goblet Cells/drug effects/metabolism/pathology ; Hyaluronic Acid/*administration & dosage ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mineral Oil/*administration & dosage ; Ophthalmic Solutions ; Tears/*metabolism ; Viscosupplements/administration & dosage

PURPOSE: To compare the short term effects of topical 0.05% cyclosporine (CsA) and a mixture of 0.08% chondroitin sulfate and 0.06% sodium hyaluronate (CS-HA) on dry eye ocular surfaces. METHODS: 36 patients with moderate to severe dry eye (5 mm/5 min or less with Schirmer's test or tear break up time (BUT) less than 6 seconds), were treated with topical application of CS-HA on one eye and CsA on the other 4 times a day for 6-8 weeks. BUT, Schirmer's test without anesthesia, and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC; goblet cell density, nucleus to cytoplasmic ratio, and epithelial cell morphology) were evaluated and compared between eyes before and after treatment (repeated measurement of ANOVA). RESULTS: After treatment, BUT and tear wettings were significantly prolonged in each group. Topical CsA treated eyes had greater increase in BUT (p=0.026); there was no significant difference in tear wetting (p=0.132). While the 3 parameters of CIC improved in both groups, goblet cell density was significantly higher in eyes treated with CsA (p=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: While both CS-HA and 0.05% CsA eyedrops improve ocular surfaces, topical CsA may have a better effect on enhancing tear film stability and goblet cell density.
Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage ; Administration, Topical ; Cell Count ; Chondroitin Sulfates/*administration & dosage ; Conjunctiva/drug effects/pathology ; Cyclosporine/*administration & dosage ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Drug Combinations ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Dry Eye Syndromes/*drug therapy/metabolism/pathology ; Epithelium/drug effects/pathology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Goblet Cells/drug effects/pathology ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid/*administration & dosage ; Immunosuppressive Agents/*administration & dosage ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ophthalmic Solutions/administration & dosage ; Tears/drug effects/metabolism ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome