muramidase and Pemphigoid--Bullous

An ELISA method is described for measuring the age-related changes of tear lysozyme, lactoferrin, ceruloplasmin, IgA and IgG in normal eyes. The normal levels for these proteins at each age are compared with those from patients with dry and 'questionably dry' eyes, which each have individual profiles, as well as with patients suffering from ocular pemphigoid, chronic non-ulcerative blepharitis and meibomianitis. Results of tear lysozyme assays from patients on various beta-blockers are discussed with the suggested hypothesis that stimulation of beta-receptors per se in the human lacrimal gland is not required for tear protein secretion. The importance of other proteins present in the tear fluid is reviewed.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aging; Blepharitis; Ceruloplasmin; Eyelid Diseases; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Keratoconjunctivitis; Labetalol; Lactoferrin; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Pemphigoid, Bullous; Practolol; Propranolol; Tears; Timolol; Xerophthalmia

Concentrations of lysozyme, lactoferrin, ceruloplasmin, IgA, and IgG have been measured in tears by the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) technique. Tears were collected on weighed filter paper discs, after which they were eluted into buffer and transported frozen to a remote laboratory for assay. Patients with sicca, questionably dry eyes and ocular pemphigoid were sampled, as were 54 normal volunteers. Tear protein profiles were established which were unique for each condition and clearly differed from the normal controls. The assay developed is considered suitable for other proteins such as IgE, and could also be used for monitoring the effects of drugs on the lacrimal gland.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ceruloplasmin; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Eye Diseases; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Lactoferrin; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Pemphigoid, Bullous; Proteins; Tears; Xerophthalmia