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PubMed1989

Bias due to conjunctiva hue and the clinical assessment of anemia.

The influence of conjunctiva hue on the clinical evaluation of anemia was tested by three educated non-clinicians, trained for such a purpose, in 219 healthy ambulatory subjects. Over 27% of conjunctivae were classified as pink and 72.8% as reddish; the three observers agreed on 8.2% of the pink and on 49.8% of the reddish. Anemia (hemoglobin below 10.0 g/dl) was detected in 5.4% of the subjects with pink hue, and in 3.4% of subjects with reddish hue. Between 39.7 and 62.2% of the subjects with pink conjunctiva were misclassified as anemic by at least one worker, and between 20.0 and 50.0% of those with reddish conjunctiva were misclassified as not anemic. Overall agreement on conjunctiva hue for the 219 worker pairs ranged from 69.0 to 75.0%; the three kappa coefficients were between 0.27 and 0.34. The importance of conjunctiva hue variation will depend on the objective of the assessment and on the availability of laboratory tests. Bias due to conjunctiva hue should be stressed when clinicians and field personnel are under training.

Anemia↗
PubMed2005

Roles of the conjunctiva in ocular drug delivery: a review of conjunctival transport mechanisms and their regulation.

Conjunctiva plays many roles including protection of ocular surface, production of tear film, and a conduit for drug clearance (depending on drug properties) into the systemic circulation or for drug transport to the deep tissues of the eye. The conjunctiva, which is a moderately tight epithelium, endowed with various transport processes for the homeostasis of ions, solutes, and water in the conjunctival surface and tear film. Modulation of ion transport in the conjunctiva leads to alterations in transconjunctival fluid flow that may become useful for treatment of dry-eye state in the eye. As a possible drug delivery route to the posterior portion of the eye, conjunctiva is an attractive route due to both larger surface area than that of cornea and expression of several key transport processes. Tear contains D-glucose and many amino acids, in addition to the usual ions in the body fluids. Several ion-coupled solute transport processes for absorption of amino acids, D-glucose, monocarboxylate, nucleosides, and dipeptides are expressed in the conjunctiva. Thanks to the rich endowment of these transport processes, drug transport across the conjunctiva into the intraocular tissues may become quite feasible. Subconjunctival injection of microparticles and matrix materials (which allows sustained release of drugs) is shown to maintain reasonable levels of various drugs in the vitreous, perhaps attesting to the fact that conjunctiva per se may contribute as a part of multiple transport barrier(s) in ocular drug delivery. In addition, several conjunctival approaches have been investigated to optimize treatment of dry-eye syndrome and intraocular diseases, and more can be accomplished in the coming years.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed2003

Characterization of serotonergic receptors in rabbit, porcine and human conjunctivae.

PURPOSE: To characterize the serotonin (5-HT) receptors linked to the modulation of adenylyl cyclase activity in rabbit, porcine and human conjunctivae. METHODS: Serotonin receptor-subtype expression was examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and receptor subtype-specific polyclonal antibodies for the immunofluorescent labeling of conjunctival cryosections. In addition, measurements of the effects of serotonergics on the short-circuit current (I(sc)) across rabbit and porcine conjunctivae were contrasted. RESULTS: RT-PCR assays indicated the expression of 5-HT(1B ) and 5-HT(1D) receptors, subtypes negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase, in the rabbit conjunctiva. This approach also suggested the co-expression of 5-HT(1B), 5-HT(1D), 5-HT(1F), 5-HT(4) and 5-HT(7) mRNA's in the porcine conjunctiva, and 5-HT( 1D), 5-HT(1F) and 5-HT(7) in the human conjunctiva. Since the 5-HT(4) and 5-HT(7) receptors are positively linked to adenylyl cyclase, these results implied that the porcine and human tissues exhibited subtypes both positively and negatively linked to the enzyme. However, immunohistochemical observations, using currently available antibodies solely localized the 5-HT(7) moiety in the porcine and human epithelia, suggested that the 1B/1D forms may be minor elements. Consistent with this prospect, 5-HT was a stimulant of the transepithelial I(sc) across the porcine conjunctiva, an opposite response from earlier findings that demonstrated inhibitory effects by 5-HT on the rabbit I(sc), which are now explained by the localization of the 1B/1D receptors in the rabbit stratified epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: The 5-HT receptors expressed by mammalian conjunctivae are not identical. In terms of 5-HT receptor expression, the porcine tissue may be a more appropriate model for human, than is the rabbit, in that 5-HT may serve as a secretagogue in the human epithelium.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed2000

IkappaB kinase alpha is essential for development of the mammalian cornea and conjunctiva.

PURPOSE: To determine the requirement of IkappaB kinase alpha (Ikkalpha) for differentiation of the mammalian cornea and conjunctiva. METHODS: Newborn mice or surgically removed embryonic day (E)18 to E19 fetuses of wild-type and IKK:alpha(-/-) mice were analyzed by light microscopy and electron microscopy or immunocytochemistry using anti-keratin (K)12, K4, K5, IkappaB, or nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB (p50) antibody. RESULTS: In the IKKalpha(-/-) eyes, the epithelium of the cornea and the conjunctiva consisted of poorly differentiated cells with round nuclei. K5 was much stronger in the conjunctiva of the IKKalpha(-/-) mice. Expression of K12 in the cornea and K4 in the conjunctiva was impaired in the IKKalpha(-/-) mice. IkappaB expression was low in epithelium of the cornea and conjunctiva of the wild type mice but was very strong in that of the IKKalpha(-/-) mice. During normal development of the conjunctiva, nuclear localization of p50 was seen in areas where basal undifferentiated cells give rise to differentiated cell types, marked by expression of cK4. However, in the IKK++alpha(-/-) tissues, no nuclear p50 staining was detected. CONCLUSIONS: IKKalpha is specifically required for formation of cornea and conjunctiva. This function may be exerted through an effect on NF-kappaB activity.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[A histochemical and immunohistochemical study of cornea and adjacent bulbar conjunctiva in Mooren's ulcer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate immunopathologic changes of cornea and adjacent bulbar conjunctiva in Mooren's ulcer, and roles of macrophage, T lymphocyte, and VCAM-1 in the pathogeny of Mooren's ulcer. METHODS: The specimens of the cornea lesions and their adjacent bulbar conjunctiva taken from 18 active Mooren's ulcer cases who received resection of conjunctiva and lamellar keratoplasty surgery were studied with histochemical and labelled streptavidin biotin (LSAB) immunohistochemical techniques to investigate the expressions of CD68, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD1a, VCAM-1, HSP70, and TNF in the affected cornea and adjacent conjunctiva. RESULTS: Under the histochemical examination, infiltration of neutrophils, plasma cells, lymphocytes, and eosinophils were found in the affected cornea and conjunctiva. Degeneration and necrosis of corneal epithelium, Bowman's layer, collageneous fiber in stromal layer, and edema of conjunctiva were shown. Infiltration of a large number of macrophages and T lymphocytes in the affected cornea and adjacent conjunctiva were shown in LSAB immunohistochemical staining. The main infiltrating T lymphocytes were the CD4 positive cells. The CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly higher than that of normal contrals (P < 0.01). VCAM-1 was strongly expressed in the affected corneal and conjunctival epithelium. There were no significant differences for expressions of CD1a, HSP70, and TNF between the pathological specimens and normal contrals. CONCLUSION: The large number of infiltrating macrophages are responsible for the immunopathological damage caused by T lymphocyte infiltration, aberrant production of cytokikens and aberrant expression of HLA-DR antigen of Mooren's ulcer. There is an aberrant expression of VCAM-1 in the affected corneal and conjunctival epithelium. The role of VCAM-1 in the immunopathogenesis of Mooren's ulcer needs to be studied.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Experimental study on the effects of chitosan on the conjunctiva scar formation and symblepharon].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of chitosan on preventing symblepharon, reducing conjunctiva scar formation and promoting epithelial healing in the treatment of keratoconjunctival alkali burn. METHODS: Keratoconjunctival alkali burn model of New Zealand rabbits was induced in the present study. Twenty-one rabbits were randomly selected from 26 rabbits to induce the alkali burn. Right eyes were treated with chitosan (treatment group), left eyes were non-treated (experimental control group). Five rabbits were used as normal control group. The symblepharon, conjunctiva scar formation and the inflammatory reaction of cornea and conjunctiva were observed by slit lamp. Histopathologic studies were performed 20 and 30 d after alkali burn. The amount of collagen in the conjunctiva and the scar formation process was evaluated by sirius red staining 30 d after alkali burn. RESULTS: The degrees of the symblepharon and conjunctiva scar formation in the treatment group were less than those in the experimental control group (u = 2.1159, P < 0.05). The amount of collagen in the conjunctiva was increased and the conjunctiva scar was formed after alkali burn, but the amount of collagen, which was evaluated by the area (Q = 32.1450, P < 0.01) and integral spectra (Q = 22.4767, P < 0.01) of sirius red staining in the treatment group was much lower than that of the experimental control group. CONCLUSION: Chitosan is effective in preventing symblepharon and reducing scar formation in the treatment of keratoconjunctival alkali burn.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Neuronal pathways to the rat conjunctiva revealed by retrograde tracing and immunocytochemistry.

The origin and neuropeptide content of nerve fibres in the rat conjunctiva were studied by retrograde tracing and denervations in combination with immunocytochemistry. Immunocytochemistry revealed nerve fibres containing neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), helospectin, substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) around blood vessels, smooth muscle bundles and glands. Removal of the sphenopalatine ganglion eliminated the majority of the VIP-, PHI- and helospectin-containing fibres. Sympathectomy eliminated the majority of the NPY-containing fibres in the conjunctiva. Removal of both the sphenopalatine ganglion and the superior cervical ganglion led to further reduction of the NPY fibres. Injection of the retrograde tracer True Blue into the conjunctiva resulted in the appearance of labelled cell bodies in the trigeminal ganglion, the sphenopalatine ganglion, the superior cervical ganglion, and the ciliary ganglion. Judging from the number of labelled nerve cell bodies, the superior cervical ganglion contributes most to the innervation. These results indicate that the majority of NPY-containing nerve fibres in the conjunctiva derives from the superior cervical ganglion (sympathetic nerve supply). Most of the VIP- and a minor population of the NPY-containing fibres in the conjunctiva originate in the sphenopalatine ganglion (parasympathetic nerve supply). A sparse amount of VIP- and NPY-containing fibres derives from the ciliary ganglion. Nerve fibres containing SP and/or CGRP emanate from the trigeminal ganglia (sensory nerve supply). Together the findings indicate that several ganglia project to the conjunctiva and that many neuropeptides may be involved in the control of conjunctival activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Modulation of chloride secretion across the pigmented rabbit conjunctiva.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether active Cl- secretion in the pigmented rabbit conjunctiva was subject to cAMP, Ca2+ and protein kinase C (PKC) modulation. The excised pigmented rabbit conjunctivas were mounted in the modified Ussing-type chambers for measurement of unidirectional 36Cl fluxes under the open-circuit condition and of the short-circuit current (Isc), potential difference, and transconjunctival electrical resistance. The results indicate that Cl- secretion across the conjunctiva was abolished by mucosal application of 1 mM N-phenylanthranilic acid and was reduced by 40% by serosal application of 10 microM bumetanide. Net Cl- flux was stimulated by 133% by 1 mM 8-Br cAMP, 107% by 10 microM A23187, and 87% by 1 microM phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), suggesting that cAMP, Ca2+, and PKC all modulated active Cl- secretion, respectively. There existed a linear correlation between measured changes in net Cl- flux and observed changes in Isc (r2=0.99). The serial treatment of the conjunctiva with (a) 1 mM 8-Br cAMP and 10 microM A23187 and (b) 10 microM A23187 and 1 microM PMA resulted in sequence-independent, additive stimulation of Isc. In the case of 1 mM 8-Br cAMP and 1 microM PMA, additive stimulation of Isc was observed only when 1 mM 8-Br cAMP was added prior to 1 microM PMA. These results suggest that a given pharmacological agent may affect more than one channel type and that there might be a possible connection among the channels at the signal transduction level. In summary, Cl- appears to enter the pigmented rabbit conjunctiva from the serosal fluid via Na+-(K+)-2Cl- cotransport process and exit to the mucosal fluid via channels, resulting in active Cl- secretion. Active Cl- secretion in the pigmented rabbit conjunctiva appears to be modulated by cAMP, Ca2+, and PKC.

Animals↗
PubMed2007

Lymphocytic infiltration and goblet cell marker alteration in the conjunctiva of the MRL/MpJ-Fas(lpr) mouse model of Sjögren's syndrome.

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a progressive, immune-mediated destruction of mucosal tissues such as the lacrimal and salivary glands, leading to ocular and oral dryness. The MRL/MpJ-Fas(lpr) mouse is one of the animal models used to study this disease. However, little is known about the potential alterations in the conjunctiva in this murine model. The purpose of this study was to determine: (1) whether the conjunctiva is infiltrated by T lymphocytes, (2) characterize the type, amount and temporal sequence of the inflammatory infiltrates, and (3) investigate whether the amount of conjunctival goblet cells is altered in this murine model of Sjögren's syndrome. Female 4-, 9-, 13-, 16-, and 18-/20-wk-old MRL/MpJ-Fas(lpr) (lpr, diseased) and congenic MRL/MpJ (+/+, control) mice were used. Right eyes were either fixed, frozen, cryosectioned, and studied by immunofluorescence microscopy or the conjunctiva was removed, homogenized and analyzed by electrophoresis and Western blot analysis. The following antibodies were used: anti-CD3 (specific T lymphocyte marker), anti-cytokeratin 7 (CK-7), anti-PKD (formerly known as PKCmu, both markers of goblet cell bodies), anti-PGP 9.5 (pan-neuronal marker), anti-VIP and TH (markers for parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, respectively), anti-adrenergic (alpha(1) and beta(1-3)) and muscarinic (M(1)-M(3)) receptor subtypes (markers for neurotransmitter receptors of the sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways, respectively). Left eyes were fixed, embedded, sectioned, and stained. Hematoxylin/eosin, Giemsa, or alcian blue/periodic acid Schiff's reagent were used to study lymphocyte infiltration; to determine the presence of eosinophils, neutrophils, and mast cells; and to count the number of goblet cells, respectively. By immunofluorescence microscopy, lymphocytes were detected in the conjunctiva of 9-wk-old lpr, but not +/+, mice. The lymphocytic infiltration became more extensive as the animals aged, with 16- and 18-/20-wk lpr mice appearing to have a greater lymphocytic infiltration than +/+ mice at the same age. By Western blot analysis, the amount of CD3 was enhanced in lpr compared to +/+ mice by the 16th wk, but not by the 9th wk. No major differences in the presence of eosinophils, neutrophils and degranulated mast cells between lpr and +/+ mice were observed. By light microscopy, a significant increase in goblet cell number was found in lpr mice compared to +/+ mice at 16 wks on. By Western blotting, the amount of CK-7 was significantly increased at 9 wks on and the amount of PKD was significantly increased at 16 wks. By immunofluorescence microscopy, there were no major differences in distribution of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves present in the lpr conjunctiva compared to that of +/+ mice at any ages, although slight differences were observed with increased age. Muscarinic receptor expression was decreased, as less M(3) receptor subtype-associated immunofluorescence was detected in older lpr mice compared to +/+ mice and confirmed by Western blot analysis. No differences in the localization or the amount of alpha(1)- or beta(1-3)-adrenergic receptor immunodetection were observed between lpr and +/+ mice. We conclude that the conjunctiva is a target tissue in Sjögren's syndrome-related inflammation in this murine model.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Immunopathologic study of the conjunctiva in patients with behçet disease.

PURPOSE: Even though conjunctiva is not primarily involved in patients with uveitis due to Behçet disease, it may reflect the immunopathologic process when inflammation is induced by biopsy of conjunctiva, a phenomenon similar to the induced inflammation at skin pathergy sites. METHODS: Conjunctival biopsy specimens obtained 48 hours after a 2-mm biopsy of the epibulbar conjunctiva in 26 Turkish patients with inactive ocular Behçet disease and 9 Turkish patients with inactive idiopathic uveitis were studied by immunoperoxidase using a panel of monoclonal antibodies: anti-CD1, -CD3, -CD4, -CD5, -CD14, -CD22, -CD25, and -CD67, HLA-DR, E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). RESULTS: Immunopathology of the conjunctival specimens obtained at the time of first biopsy was not significantly different between the Behçet disease and the idiopathic uveitis groups. The second-biopsy specimens of the patients with Behçet disease showed significantly greater numbers of T cells (CD3+, CD4+) and granulocytes (CD67+) as well as HLA-DR+ and ICAM-1+ cells in the substantia propria. Vascular endothelium of the conjunctiva in a patient with Behçet disease had significantly more pronounced expression of the adhesion molecules, E-selectin, and ICAM-1. None of the conjunctival specimens in either group showed VCAM-1 positivity. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that a more intense antigen-independent inflammation develops with recruitment of both neutrophils and T lymphocytes of helper/ inducer phenotype in the conjunctiva of patients with Behçet disease in response to surgical trauma. Increased expression of E-selectin and ICAM-1 in the conjunctiva of patients with Behçet disease may suggest a critical role for these adhesion molecules in the initial events of inflammation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

E-cadherin distribution and epithelial basement membrane characteristics of the normal human conjunctiva and cornea.

The conjunctival mucosa has several similarities to the mucosal immune system of the gut and bronchus. Like the gut and bronchial mucosa, the conjunctiva is capable of inducing tolerance to encountered antigens and possesses a repertoire of CD8+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) bearing the human mucosal lymphocyte-1 antigen (HML-1) which has been shown to be an alpha E beta 7 integrin. The epithelial cells surface ligand for HML-1 is E-cadherin. The distribution of E-cadherin in the normal human conjunctiva and cornea is not known. We investigated E-cadherin distribution in the conjunctiva and cornea by immunohistochemistry. E-cadherin was found to be present in all layers of the conjunctival epithelium but not in corneal epithelium. In the conjunctiva it may act as a ligand for the HML-1+ IELs. The specific location of IELs along the basal cells of the conjunctiva compared with the generalised distribution of E-cadherin through all layers, indicates that factors other than E-cadherin binding determine the distribution of HML-1+ IELs. We performed electron microscopy on de-epithelialised conjunctival and corneal samples. We demonstrated the presence of epithelial basement membrane pores in the conjunctiva but not in the cornea. Lymphocyte migration from the substantia propria to the intraepithelial compartment appears to occur through these pores, which may also serve as a conduit for antigen presentation by epithelial antigen presenting cells (APCs) to lymphocytes in the substantia propria.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Rebamipide increases the amount of mucin-like substances on the conjunctiva and cornea in the N-acetylcysteine-treated in vivo model.

PURPOSE: Rebamipide increases the amount of mucin-like substances in the stomach. We aimed to determine the effects of rebamipide on the amount of mucin-like substances in the conjunctiva and cornea of N-acetylcysteine-treated eyes. Furthermore, we attempted to evaluate the effects of rebamipide on the wound healing of N-acetylcysteine-treated eyes. METHODS: The model was created by instilling 10% N-acetylcysteine solutions into rabbit eyes. Rebamipide was then applied on the day following the completion of N-acetylcysteine treatment. The amount of mucin-like substances on the conjunctiva and cornea was measured using the Alcian-blue binding method. The degree of damage was evaluated using scores based on the areas and densities of the cornea and conjunctival after staining using a rose Bengal solution under blind conditions. RESULTS: Rebamipide increased the level of mucin-like substances on the conjunctiva of N-acetylcysteine-treated eyes when instilled at concentrations of 0.3% or higher, and 1% rebamipide increased the amount of mucin-like substances covering the cornea. Moreover, 1% rebamipide improved the rose Bengal scores of the cornea and conjunctiva in N-acetylcysteine-treated eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Rebamipide increased mucin-like substances on the cornea and conjunctiva of N-acetylcysteine-treated eyes. In accordance with the mucin-increasing effects, rebamipide improved the rose Bengal scores for the cornea and conjunctiva of N-acetylcysteine-treated eyes. However, the relevance of these findings to dry eyes is unclear because it is not known whether the change in mucus expression in the N-acetylcysteine model is similar to what occurs in aqueous tear deficiency. Consequently, it may be worth trying on an animal model of keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Acetylcysteine↗
PubMed2003

Differential expression and signaling of IFN-gamma in the conjunctiva between Lewis and Brown Norway rats.

Genetic background determines the histological features of experimental immune-mediated blepharoconjunctivitis (EC) in rats, which is a model for human allergic conjunctivitis (AC). A great number of lymphocytes predominate in EC of Lewis rats, while less lymphocytes and more eosinophils are present in that of Brown Norway (BN) rats. Although this difference could be attributed to their systemic Th1/Th2 dominancy, it remains unclear whether some regulatory mechanisms may exist in the inflammatory site in the conjunctiva. Here, we aim to investigate this hypothesis by comparing the expression levels of inflammatory mediators in the conjunctiva between the two strains. EC was induced in Lewis and BN rats by transfer of ovalbumin (OVA)-specific CD4(+) T-cell lines followed by eye drops of OVA as antigen challenge, and then was clinically and histologically evaluated. Reverse-transcription (RT)-PCR was performed to compare the expressions of cytokines and cytokine receptors (Rs) in conjunctivas of both strains of rats either with or without EC. To confirm the biological significance of interferon (IFN)-gamma R expression, phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)-1 was examined in the conjunctivas, followed by subconjunctival injection of IFN-gamma. BN T cells contained interleukin (IL)-4 and IFN-gamma, while Lewis T cells expressed no IL-4. Transfer of those cells induced more severe EC in Lewis rats. RTPCR using naive conjunctivas detected more IL-4, IFN-gamma, and IFN-gamma R beta-chain RNA expression in BN rats. After the EC induction, BN rats expressed significantly higher amounts of IFN-gamma R beta-chain, and upregulation of interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-1 was observed. Phosphorylation of STAT-1 was more remarkable in BN rats. The findings demonstrate differential expression of IFN-gamma R and signaling through IFN-gamma in the conjunctiva between the two strains. This may be due to differences in histopathological character between the two strains.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Cellular inflammatory response induced by sensory denervation of the conjunctiva in monkeys.

The inflammatory response induced by sensory denervation of the cornea, neuroparalytic (neurotrophic) keratitis, has been widely reported in the literature. Clinical evidence has shown that the conjunctiva also responds to sensory denervation, but little is known of the cytology of the conjunctival tissue response to denervation. The purpose of this study therefore was to investigate the cytological aspects of tissue response induced in the conjunctiva of monkeys by sensory denervation. Intracranial ophthalmic neurotomy was carried out in three monkeys, maxillary neurotomy in four, combined ophthalmic and maxillary neurotomy in two, and infraorbital nerve transaction in one monkey. These various operations were performed for other experimental purposes, but the conjunctival tissues from the animals were suitable and available to study the cytology of the inflammatory response induced in the tissue following the sensory denervation. The cytological changes were studied using light microscopy. Complete or severe ophthalmic nerve transection induced significant inflammatory responses, which were largely confined to the tarsal region of the conjunctiva. The responses included a substantial increase in the infiltration of the epithelium by polymorphonuclear leucocytes and severe disruption of the epithelium. The number of macrophages in the conjunctiva also increased. The response induced by maxillary denervation, however, was not as pronounced as that induced by sensory denervation. The restriction of the conjunctival tissue response to the tarsal region was considered to be due to the friction between the tarsal conjunctiva (and the hard tarsal plate) and the cornea during blinking. This study shows that sensory denervation of the conjunctiva elicits an inflammatory response characterized by substantial infiltration of the epithelium by neutrophil and macrophage and disorganization of the conjunctival tissue.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Mycoplasma conjunctivae infection is not maintained in alpine chamois in eastern Switzerland.

The occurrence of infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) was assessed in alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) in Grisons (Switzerland) from 1950 to 1999. The first IKC outbreaks were reported in the 1950's. Since then, the number of affected subpopulations constantly increased and, by 1999, IKC outbreaks were reported in 39 of 51 (77%) chamois sub-populations. From 1992-99, a total of 243 chamois which died of the consequences of IKC were recorded. The number of cases differed between years, and a distinct seasonal trend was observed. Infectious keratoconjunctivitis was more common during summer and autumn, with 48% of the cases recorded in August-October. Juveniles (< 4 yr of age) were mostly represented. To verify the presence of Mycoplasma conjunctivae in chamois we analyzed conjunctival swabs taken from animals affected with IKC. Among a sample of 28 affected chamois, M. conjunctivae was identified 14 times (50%). An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect specific M. conjunctivae antibodies in sera of alpine chamois with IKC. We performed a serologic investigation to assess whether M. conjunctivae infection is self-maintained in the chamois population in Grisons. In subpopulations with IKC oubreaks, seroprevalence was low (8%). Seroprevalence was even lower in subpopulations with recent IKC outbreaks (3%). We concluded that the M. conjunctivae infection is not self-maintained in alpine chamois in Grisons. The agent may originate in domestic sheep living in proximity to chamois during summer. Control of IKC in chamois should consider immunoprophylaxis in sheep or limiting interspecific transmission of M. conjunctivae.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Epidermal growth factor receptor in conjunctiva].

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was studied in conjunctiva. Two specimens of normal conjunctiva and eleven of diseases ones, consisting of 2 pingueculas, 4 healing traumatic conjunctiva , and 5 proliferative disorders, were studied immunohistochemically using rabbit anti-human EGFR antibody with avitin-biotin and diaminobentizin method. These investigations revealed that the immunoreactive EGFR was identified only in the conjunctiva of 2 of the 3 cases of granuloma following pterygium surgery but not in the other specimens, including the normal conjunctiva. This fact suggests that abnormal expression of the EGFR could play a role in pathological status of conjunctiva.

Conjunctiva↗
PubMed1996

Epithelial barrier function of the filtering bleb conjunctiva and the cornea after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C.

PURPOSE: To evaluate epithelial barrier function of the filtering bleb conjunctiva and the cornea after trabeculectomy with adjunct, intraoperative mitomycin C, by using a newly developed slit-lamp fluorophotometer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with normal-tension glaucoma with a cystic filtering bleb who had undergone unilateral trabeculectomy with mitomycin C only once at least 1 year previously were subjected to the study. Epithelial barrier function of the bleb conjunctiva and the cornea in the operated eye was evaluated using an Anterior Fluorometer FL-500 to measure the uptake of topically applied fluorescein. RESULTS: Fluorescein uptake (nanograms per milliliter, mean +/- standard error) by the bleb conjunctiva (1,857 +/- 380) was not significantly different from either the uptake by the superior bulbar conjunctiva in the operated eyes, located approximately 90 degrees C away from the filtering bleb (1,974 +/- 258), or the uptake by the conjunctiva in the intact eyes, located symmetrically against the bleb (1,913 +/- 248). The corneal uptake in the operated eye (56.1 +/- 10.2) was not significantly different from that in the intact eye (53.5 +/- 8.3). CONCLUSIONS: Epithelial barrier function of the cystic filtering bleb conjunctiva and the cornea long after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C was demonstrated to be almost identical to that of the control.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

[A clinical study of polytetrafluoroethylene (polytef) as a substitute for conjunctiva].

Burn, tumor or congenital reasons may cause coloboma of conjunctiva. We were seeking for a thin membrane to cover the coloboma that would make the survival peripheral conjunctiva to grow and self-repair so that mucosa transplantation could be avoided. A polytetrafluoroethylene membrane of 0.1 mm thickness, 2-3 mm larger in diameter than the coloboma was sutured in place. After 2-3 weeks the membrane was removed. A total of 16 patients underwent the operation. Of them there were 2 of plasmacytoma, 5 of symblepharon, 6 of contracture of socket of eyeball and 3 of complex pterygium. In two to three weeks, the region of coloboma of conjunctiva was found being repaired. On an average 12 months' follow-up study, the eyeball movements in all cases were normal and the eyes looked symmetric. No symblepharon was found. We conclude that the polytetrafluoroethylene is a non-toxic, smooth, non-adhesive and non-distort substance resistant to high and low temperatures. When used as a substitute for conjunctiva at the region of coloboma of conjunctiva, it makes the peripheral normal conjunctiva tissues to grow and repair the coloboma.

Adolescent↗