silicon and Lacrimal-Apparatus-Diseases

Dry eye is a general term that refers to a myriad of ophthalmic disorders resulting in the inadequate wetting of the corneal surface by the tear film. Dry eyes are typically treated by the application of artificial tears. However, patients with lacrimal insufficiencies such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, chemical and thermal injuries, or ocular cicatricial pemphigoid have very limited options because of the short duration and action of lubricating agents. As a therapeutic strategy, we are working to develop a bioengineered tear secretory system for such patients. This article describes the growth and physiological properties of purified rabbit lacrimal gland acinar cells (pLGACs) on several matrix protein-coated polymers such as silicone, collagen I, copolymers of poly-D,L-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA; 85:15 and 50:50), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and Thermanox plastic cell culture coverslips. Monolayers of acinar cells were established on all of the polymeric substrata. An assay of beta-hexosaminidase activity in the supernatant medium showed significant increases in protein secretion, following stimulation with 100 microM carbachol on matrix protein-coated and uncoated polymers such as silicone, PLGA 85:15, and PLLA. Our study demonstrates that PLLA supported the morphological and physiological properties of purified rabbit lacrimal gland epithelial cells more successfully than the others.

Topics: Animals; Artificial Organs; Cells, Cultured; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Collagen Type I; Epithelial Cells; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases; Lactic Acid; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Polyesters; Polyglycolic Acid; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; Polymers; Rabbits; Silicon; Tears; Tissue Engineering

Treating injuries of the lacrimal system with a silicon intubation is an approved method to prevent post-traumatic epiphora.. Between 1990 and 1999, operations were carried out on 44 patients with injuries of the canaliculi with silicon ring intubations. Interesting for us were the age distribution, causes of injuries, localisation and mid- to long-term postoperative complications.. The age of the patients was between 1.75 and 74 years, 48% of the injuries were caused by household accidents, 23% by violence, 20% by traffic accidents and 9% by job-related accidents. The canaliculus inferior was injured in 68% of all patients. We found 10 postoperative complications, e.g. ectropia, a too long silicon ring or granuloma. We found a positive anatomical readapted lacrimal system in 88% and 12% of our patients complained of distinct to severe epiphora.. The treatment of lacrimal laceration with a silicon intubation is an excellent method but special care should be taken with correct positioning of the lid margin.

Topics: Accidents, Home; Accidents, Occupational; Accidents, Traffic; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Eyelids; Female; Humans; Infant; Intubation; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Nasolacrimal Duct; Postoperative Complications; Silicon; Violence