Expression of tear lipocalin and MMPs in the lacrimal gland and their implication in dry eye disease
Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
Abstract
Tear lipocalin is a member of the lipocalin superfamily. Homologues have been identified in different species. In this study 18kDa lipocalin protein was identified in lacrimal fluid from New Zealand white rabbits. Densitometric analysis revealed that lacrimal fluid from sexually mature female showed significantly higher expression of lipocalin than the sexually mature male. The sexually mature rabbits had higher expression of lipocalin compared to the juveniles. However no significant differences in expression of lipocalin was detected between the juvenile male and female rabbits. Matrix metalloproteinses are members of the metzincin family. Gelatinases (MMP-2 & MMP-9) are known to degrade the extracellular matrix. Sexually mature female animals showed the highest expression of gelatinases. Higher expression of MMP-9 was detected in the epithelial (acinar) cell culture supernatants. Higher expression of MMP-2 was detected in the interstitial (lymphocyte) cell culture supernatants from the lacrimal gland.
Extent
74 p.
Recommended Citation
Kota, Smitha J., "Expression of tear lipocalin and MMPs in the lacrimal gland and their implication in dry eye disease" (2003). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009. 547.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_5/547
Identifier
FADT13101
Comments
Advisers: Ana Maria Azzarolo; David Binninger.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2003.|Advisers: Ana Maria Azzarolo; David Binninger.