Tissue-engineered tear secretory system: functional lacrimal gland acinar cells cultured on matrix protein-coated substrata.
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.
Selvam
Shivaram
S
Department of Chemical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA.
Thomas
Padmaja B
PB
Trousdale
Melvin D
MD
Stevenson
Douglas
D
Schechter
Joel E
JE
Mircheff
Austin K
AK
Jacob
Jean T
JT
Smith
Ronald E
RE
Yiu
Samuel C
SC
D000818:Animals; D001187:Artificial Organs; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D024042:Collagen Type I; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D011091:Polyesters; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011108:Polymers; D011817:Rabbits; D012825:Silicon; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism; D023822:Tissue Engineering
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D024042:Collagen Type I; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide); D012825:Silicon