Cytokines and Tear Function in Ocular Surface Disease

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
It is likely that rates of tear production and turnover are important in determining the cytokine environment of ocular surface tissues, by supplying cytokines in tear fluid and by clearing those produced at the ocular surface. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), which is released into tear fluid by the lacrimal gland,1–4 influences healing of corneal epithelial and conjunctival wounds.5–10 These concentrations vary inversely with reflex tear secretion,3,4 but under normal conditions in vivo, the relationships between tear concentrations of EGF and other variables such as age, gender, tear production, and clearance have not been examined. This information potentially could contribute to a better understanding of the role of EGF in maintenance of ocular surface integrity under normal circumstances, so in the first part (Tear EGF Concentrations in Normals) of a two-part study, we examined these influences in a large group of normal subjects.11