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Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia 2021The purpose of this article was to report a case of intraconal lacrimal gland tissue and to review the literature on lacrimal gland choristoma. The magnetic resonance... (Review)
Review
The purpose of this article was to report a case of intraconal lacrimal gland tissue and to review the literature on lacrimal gland choristoma. The magnetic resonance imaging findings of a biopsy-proven orbital case are also presented. A PubMed database search was performed using the key terms heterotopic, ectopic, aberrant, choristoma, and lacrimal gland to identify all the previously documented studies on lacrimal gland choristoma, in English, Spanish, and French. We classified the lacrimal gland choristoma cases classified according to the location of the lesions, clinical appearance, management, and outcome. The search targeting the period between 1887 and 2019 returned 79 articles, which were reviewed. We found a total of 113 cases of choristomas with normal lacrimal gland tissue. Only two of them were not associated with the eye or its adnexa while the remaining 111 lesions were found either on the ocular surface (n=46) or in the orbit (n=34). Intraocular choristomas were found in 18 patients, and the rest of the lesions were noted either on the eyelids (n=10) or in the lacrimal drainage system (n=3). Orbital and intraocular choristomas are the most harmful lesions as orbital choristomas are frequently associated with permanent diplopia while intraocular lacrimal gland choristomas have a poor visual prognosis and are a common cause of enucleation of the eye. In one of the reported cases, a corneal lacrimal gland choristoma had been experimentally induced by activating the FGF10 signaling pathway. Lacrimal gland choristomas are not uncommon. This peculiar type of lesion has been experimentally induced and may appear in a variety of locations associated with the globe and its adnexa.
Topics: Choristoma; Cornea; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Orbit
PubMed: 35416898
DOI: 10.5935/0004-2749.20220029 -
Developmental Dynamics : An Official... Dec 2017The lacrimal gland plays a pivotal role in keeping the ocular surface lubricated, and protecting it from environmental exposure and insult. Dysfunction of the lacrimal... (Review)
Review
The lacrimal gland plays a pivotal role in keeping the ocular surface lubricated, and protecting it from environmental exposure and insult. Dysfunction of the lacrimal gland results in deficiency of the aqueous component of the tear film, which can cause dryness of the ocular surface, also known as the aqueous-deficient dry eye disease. Left untreated, this disease can lead to significant morbidity, including frequent eye infections, corneal ulcerations, and vision loss. Current therapies do not treat the underlying deficiency of the lacrimal gland, but merely provide symptomatic relief. To develop more sustainable and physiological therapies, such as in vivo lacrimal gland regeneration or bioengineered lacrimal gland implants, a thorough understanding of lacrimal gland development at the molecular level is of paramount importance. Based on the structural and functional similarities between rodent and human eye development, extensive studies have been undertaken to investigate the signaling and transcriptional mechanisms of lacrimal gland development using mouse as a model system. In this review, we describe the current understanding of the extrinsic signaling interactions and the intrinsic transcriptional network governing lacrimal gland morphogenesis, as well as recent advances in the field of regenerative medicine aimed at treating dry eye disease. Developmental Dynamics 246:970-980, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topics: Animals; Bioengineering; Eye Diseases; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Regenerative Medicine; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 28710815
DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24551 -
Current Eye Research Mar 2020Dry eye disease (DED) is a complex and multifactorial disease resulting in a continual cycle of tear hyperosmolarity and inflammation. Patients suffering from DED... (Review)
Review
Dry eye disease (DED) is a complex and multifactorial disease resulting in a continual cycle of tear hyperosmolarity and inflammation. Patients suffering from DED experience severe pain and visual impairments leading to a reduced quality of life. Aqueous-deficient dry eye (ADDE), mainly caused through a loss of functional lacrimal gland tissue, results in the most severe forms of DED. Despite a high prevalence, the current treatments remain palliative and may be insufficient to alleviate the symptoms. Consequently, investigations on experimental approaches for lacrimal gland regeneration are of great clinical interest. This article reviews the current knowledge about processes involved in lacrimal gland regeneration, about lacrimal gland resident stem cells, and offers deductions about possible concepts for lacrimal gland regeneration. Promising starting points might be the utilization of therapeutic proteins, such as bone morphogenetic protein 7, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) or MSC-based treatments such as conditioned medium, lyophilized cell extracts or adult acinar cells. This review further summarizes current experimental approaches for the treatment of ADDE in animal models and patients. Approaches investigating side population stem cells, epithelial progenitor cells and MSC showed that the transplantation of these cells had therapeutic effects on ADDE. However, the most promising and best-studied experimental approach is the use of MSC for induction/enhancement of lacrimal gland regeneration. Their immunomodulatory effects, low immunogenicity, promotion of tissue regeneration and involvement during spontaneous lacrimal regeneration are favorable traits for clinical applications. In addition, the efficacy and safety of allogeneic MSC transplantation have already been demonstrated in a small patient cohort.
Topics: Animals; Dry Eye Syndromes; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Regeneration; Tears
PubMed: 31246108
DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2019.1637438 -
Biotechnology Letters Jul 2017The lacrimal gland (LG) is important as it has a significant role in maintaining the stability of the microenvironment of the ocular surface. When a loss of function... (Review)
Review
The lacrimal gland (LG) is important as it has a significant role in maintaining the stability of the microenvironment of the ocular surface. When a loss of function occurs in the LG, a significant reduction in tear production and dry eye disease (DED) may occur. A mammalian LG is a secretory gland consisting of acini and ducts. The interaction between epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells plays a major role during development and the self-restoration process of the gland. Some factors, such as fibroblast growth factor 10 and bone morphogenetic protein 7, are associated with these processes. Though several strategies for LG regeneration have been established, there is still a long way to go before there is clarity about LG stem cells. In this review, current knowledge on LG development, LG self-repair, DED and correlative regeneration therapies are summarized.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Organogenesis; Regeneration; Wound Healing
PubMed: 28353146
DOI: 10.1007/s10529-017-2326-1 -
Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology 2021Despite their unassuming size, lacrimal glands can have a variety of pathologies affecting them which often poses a diagnostic challenge clinically in view of their... (Review)
Review
Despite their unassuming size, lacrimal glands can have a variety of pathologies affecting them which often poses a diagnostic challenge clinically in view of their nonspecific presentation as palpable lump in the superolateral aspect of the orbit. There are a myriad of pathological entities ranging from inflammatory to neoplastic lesions that can affect the lacrimal glands. Cross-sectional imaging is must for the detection, characterization, and mapping of these lesions. In this pictorial review, we propose a radiological pattern-based approach for various lacrimal gland lesions that provides a working algorithm for radiologists in the evaluation of lacrimal gland pathologies.
Topics: Algorithms; Diagnostic Imaging; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Orbit; Radiography
PubMed: 33077289
DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2020.09.003 -
The British Journal of Radiology Jul 2022The lacrimal gland is a bilobed serous gland located in the superolateral aspect of the orbit. Lacrimal system pathologies can be broadly divided into pathologies of the... (Review)
Review
The lacrimal gland is a bilobed serous gland located in the superolateral aspect of the orbit. Lacrimal system pathologies can be broadly divided into pathologies of the lacrimal gland and those of the nasolacrimal drainage apparatus. These include distinct congenital, infectious, inflammatory, and benign, indeterminate, and malignant neoplastic lesions. Trauma and resultant fractures affecting lacrimal drainage apparatus is not part of this review; only non-traumatic diseases will be discussed. CT is the initial modality of choice because of its ability to delineate lacrimal system anatomy and demonstrate most lacrimal drainage system abnormalities and their extent. It also assesses bony architecture and characterizes any osseous changes. MRI is helpful in further characterizing these lesions and better assessing involvement of the surrounding soft tissue structures. In this pictorial review, we will review the anatomy of the lacrimal system, describe CT/MRI findings of the common and uncommon lacrimal system abnormalities and discuss relevance of imaging with regards to patient management.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Eye Neoplasms; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 35522773
DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20211333 -
Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology May 2016Tumors of the lacrimal gland comprise a wide spectrum, of which the most common demonstrate epithelial and lymphoid differentiation. The diagnosis of lacrimal gland... (Review)
Review
Tumors of the lacrimal gland comprise a wide spectrum, of which the most common demonstrate epithelial and lymphoid differentiation. The diagnosis of lacrimal gland tumors depends primarily on histological evaluation, as do the choice of treatment and prognosis. For some lacrimal gland neoplasms, such as adenoid cystic carcinoma, the outlook is grave. Optimal treatment for several lacrimal gland tumors is also a matter of controversy. However, recent progress has been made in the molecular and genetic understanding of tumorigenesis for such lesions. This article presents an overview of the histopathology of lacrimal gland tumors, together with their epidemiological features, clinical characteristics, and treatment strategies.
Topics: Eye Neoplasms; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial
PubMed: 26849904
DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2015.10.002 -
Current Eye Research Oct 2020The lacrimal glands produce the aqueous component of the pre-ocular tear film, which is essential for ocular health and optimal vision. This review explores its history,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The lacrimal glands produce the aqueous component of the pre-ocular tear film, which is essential for ocular health and optimal vision. This review explores its history, current understanding, recent advances, and scope for future research.
METHODS
The authors reviewed the major studies discussing the history of lacrimal glands and their anatomical description, including microscopic anatomy, innervation patterns, imaging, and ongoing translational research.
RESULTS
The review traces the evolution of human knowledge about the source of tears across several millennia, with specific emphasis on the individuals who made seminal contributions to this field. It provides a detailed update on the morphology, microscopic structure, innervation, vascular supply, and imaging modalities of both the main and accessory lacrimal glands. The review also summarizes the recent advances in lacrimal gland regeneration and repair for the treatment of dry eye disease, particularly the role of mesenchymal stem cells. Lastly, the review gazes into the future of lacrimal gland research, which aims at translating the existing laboratory knowledge into clinical application, with the possibility of transplanting in vitro cultivated lacrimal constructs or the use of cell-based therapies for in situ repair of diseased human lacrimal glands.
CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge about the lacrimal glands in health and disease has improved tremendously since its discovery in the mid-eighteenth century. Today we stand at the cusp of exploring potential regenerative approaches for the treatment of lacrimal gland damage in dry eye disease.
Topics: Dry Eye Syndromes; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases
PubMed: 32450044
DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2020.1774065 -
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual... Mar 2022To investigate microenvironment changes of the lacrimal gland after obstruction of lacrimal gland ducts.
PURPOSE
To investigate microenvironment changes of the lacrimal gland after obstruction of lacrimal gland ducts.
METHODS
The ducts of rat exorbital lacrimal gland were ligated by sutures for different durations. After that, the sutures in some animals were released, and they were observed for 21 days to evaluate the recovery of the lacrimal gland. Slit lamp and tear secretion test was performed to evaluate ocular surface and lacrimal gland function. The lacrimal gland and cornea were harvested and processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining, oil red O staining, LipidTOX staining, Masson staining, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining.
RESULTS
After the lacrimal gland ducts were blocked, tear secretion and the weight of the lacrimal gland were reduced. Incidence of corneal neovascularization increased after seven days. Intraglandular ducts dilated and acini destroyed. Long-term ligation induced fibrosis and lipid accumulation of the lacrimal glands. Inflammatory cell infiltrated and inflammatory factors upregulated. Proliferative and apoptotic cells increased. Structure of myoepithelial cells and basement membrane was destroyed. The p63 expression increased whereas Pax6 expression decreased. After suture release, tear secretion and structure of acini could recover in less than seven days after ligation, with a decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis relief. Apoptotic cells and proliferative cells increased at five days thereafter. The structure of the myoepithelial cells and basement membrane could not recover three days after ligation, and the number of mesenchymal cells increased in ligation after five to 14 days.
CONCLUSIONS
Blockage of the lacrimal gland ducts results in dystrophy of lacrimal gland acini cells, inflammation, and lipid accumulation of the lacrimal gland microenvironment. Long-term duct blockage will cause irreversible lacrimal gland failure.
Topics: Animals; Cornea; Fibrosis; Inflammation; Lacrimal Apparatus; Lipids; Rats
PubMed: 35289845
DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.3.14 -
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... Jan 2022A 9-y-5-mo-old, spayed female, mixed-breed dog with buphthalmia and elevated intraocular pressure in the left eye, consistent with glaucoma, was evaluated....
A 9-y-5-mo-old, spayed female, mixed-breed dog with buphthalmia and elevated intraocular pressure in the left eye, consistent with glaucoma, was evaluated. Black-pigmented, slightly elevated tissue with irregular margins was noted on the dorsolateral aspect of the left globe. Ultrasonography detected a mass, later identified as lacrimal gland, adjacent to the globe and the thickened uvea. The surgically removed lacrimal gland was effaced by dense sheets of melanin-laden cells. Within the enucleated globe, numerous melanin-laden cells infiltrated and expanded the rostral two-thirds thickness of the cornea, the entire anterior uvea (iris and ciliary body), and a rostral portion of the choroid. Melanin-laden cells in the left lacrimal gland and globe showed no nuclear atypia or mitotic figures, and reacted to anti-S100 and anti-melan A antibodies by immunohistochemistry. Our final diagnosis was concurrent lacrimal gland melanocytoma and ocular melanocytosis. The trabecular meshwork of the eye was obliterated by melanin-laden cells, which was the likely cause of glaucoma in this patient. To our knowledge, melanocytoma affecting the lacrimal gland has not been reported previously in a non-human mammalian species. Veterinary clinicians are encouraged to include melanocytoma in the differential list when examining an enlarged lacrimal gland.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Female; Immunohistochemistry; Lacrimal Apparatus
PubMed: 34515584
DOI: 10.1177/10406387211045027