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Analysis of Mucins in the Human Nasolacrimal Ducts
1Paulsen F., 2Corfield A., 3Hinz M., 3Hoffmann W., 4Schaudig U., 5Thale A., 6Berry M.,
1Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, Anatomisches Institut (Kiel)
2Departments of Medicine Laboratories , University of Bristol (Bristol)
3Institut für Molekularbiologie und Medizinische Chemie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität (Magdeburg)
4Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde (Hamburg)
5Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, Klinik für Ophthalmologie (Kiel)
6Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bristol (Bristol)
Purpose: To assess the expression and production of mucins in the epithelium of human efferent lacrimal ducts. Mucins are important structural and functional components of the precorneal tear film and the nasal mucosa.
Methods: Expression of mucins was monitored by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies specific for the polypeptide core of mucins was performed to determine the presence and distribution of mucins in the epithelia of the lacrimal passage.
Results: mRNA expression for MUC1, MUC2, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC7 as well as in some cases for MUC6 was detected in human nasolacrimal ducts. Immunohistochemistry revealed MUC5AC as well as MUC5B and in some cases MUC1 to be associated with goblet cells and mucous cells of subepithelial seromucous glands. MUC2 was only detected in scattered cell conglomerates an in single cells where it was visible in both epithelial and goblet cells. MUC4 could not be detected by immunostaining using antibody 4F12. MUC7 occurred in columnar epithelial cells of the lacrimal sac and the nasolacrimal duct as well as in acinar cells of subepithelial seromucous glands but seemed to be absent in goblet cells.
Conclusions: Human efferent tear ducts produce a broad spectrum of mucins. This mucin production is partly comparable with the human conjunctiva and also with the MUC5B and MUC7 synthesis in salivary glands. The localization of MUC7 is remarkably similar to that of TFF3 which might aggregate with the mucin. Moreover, MUC7 and MUC5B have been shown to interact with a variety of oral microorganisms and thus might support microbial defense in the lacrimal passage. The production of a broad spectrum of mucins inside the nasolacrimal ducts suggests a special role in tear fluid transport through the lacrimal passage. Further investigations of mucin and TFF-peptide expression in the tear drainage system are needed in order to fully understand the physiological function of mucins in the nasolacrimal ducts.
Support: DFG grant Pa 738/1-3 and NERC grant 2000/013