Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Acinar Morphology, Peroxidase Concentration, and Release in Isolated Rat Lacrimal Glands

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of diabetes mellitus on lacrimal gland morphology and function.Materials and Methods: The lacrimal glands of rats (n = 6) were removed 8 weeks after the onset of diabetes and processed for electron microscopy. The lacrimal gland of control rats (n = 6) were processed similarly. Lacrimal tissue samples of diabetic rats (n = 12) were also incubated with different concentrations (10−6–10−3 M) of acetylcholine and noradrenaline to investigate secretagogue-induced peroxidase release. The lacrimal glands of control rats (n = 12) were treated in a similar manner.Results: Diabetic rats and their lacrimal glands gained significantly (p < 0.05) less weight compared to age-matched controls. Lacrimal acinar cells of diabetic rat have significantly (p < 0.001) smaller and more homogenous secretory granules compared to age-matched control. Lacrimal glands of diabetic rats contained significantly (p < 0.05) less peroxidase and secrete significantly less quantity (p < 0.05) of the enzyme in response to either acetylcholine or noradrenaline challenge compared to control glands.Conclusions: The results indicate that diabetes is associated with lacrimal gland insufficiency as a result of abnormal acinar morphology and reduced peroxidase content and secretion.