Characterization of adrenergic receptors in the accessory lacrimal glands of the upper eyelid.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the histologic location as well as the exact subtype of adrenergic receptors in the accessory lacrimal glands of the upper eyelid.


METHODS
Upper eyelid specimens were collected from 19 patients undergoing routine blepharoptosis correction via a posterior tarsoconjunctival mullerectomy. Immunohistochemical staining using polyclonal antibodies against human alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1, and beta 2 receptors was performed on all specimens.


RESULTS
beta 1 receptors were the predominant adrenergic receptor subtype in the glands of Wolfring.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of beta 1 receptors in the accessory lacrimal glands of the upper eyelid may suggest a possible role for selective beta 1 agonists in the treatment of keratitis sicca.
Esmaeli-Gutstein
B
B
Department of Ophthalmology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Hewlett
B R
BR
Harvey
J T
JT
D001763:Blepharoptosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery; D005143:Eyelids / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000378:metabolism*; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism*; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism*
D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta