Abstract
There is a lack of knowledge regarding the connection between the ocular and nasal epithelia. This narrative review focuses on conjunctival, corneal, ultrastructural corneal stroma, and nasal epithelia as well as an introduction into their interconnections. We describe in detail the morphology and physiology of the ocular surface, the nasolacrimal ducts, and the nasal cavity. This knowledge provides a basis for functional studies and the development of relevant cell culture models that can be used to investigate the pathogenesis of diseases related to these complex structures. Moreover, we also provide a state-of-the-art overview regarding the development of 3D culture models, which allow for addressing research questions in models resembling the in vivo situation. In particular, we give an overview of the current developments of corneal 3D and organoid models, as well as 3D cell culture models of epithelia with goblet cells (conjunctiva and nasal cavity). The benefits and shortcomings of these cell culture models are discussed. As examples for pathogens related to ocular and nasal epithelia, we discuss infections caused by adenovirus and measles virus. In addition to pathogens, also external triggers such as allergens can cause rhinoconjunctivitis. These diseases exemplify the interconnections between the ocular surface and nasal epithelia in a molecular and clinical context. With a final translational section on optical coherence tomography (OCT), we provide an overview about the applicability of this technique in basic research and clinical ophthalmology. The techniques presented herein will be instrumental in further elucidating the functional interrelations and crosstalk between ocular and nasal epithelia.
Highlights
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Reason could be the different morphology of the epithelial cells with their differentialOne exreason could be the different morphology the epithelial with spread their differential pression of receptors and distinct properties,ofwhich preclude cells pathogen across the expression of receptors and distinct properties, preclude pathogen across the regional epithelial borders
With the advent of modern technology and the invention of imimportant methodological elements that are used in the therapy of diseases, mammaportant methodological elements that are used in the therapy of diseases, mammalian lian cell cultures represent essential tools to perform first pilot as well as complex expericell cultures represent essential tools to perform first pilot as well as complex experiments ments in vitro
Summary
Can one cry on command? Can one shed tears without crying? Are there false tears? From a purely physiological point of view, the answer is simple: when someone cries, saline tear fluid flows down the cheek [1,2]. The numerous existing hypotheses reflect the complex structure of the nasolacrimal ducts and show that tear transport is a complex process [4,9] Considering these complex mechanisms and the close communication between the eyes and the nose, with this review, we aim at presenting distinct cell culture methods, which were previously published, and highlighting their applicability in translational contexts. This section summarizes the native anatomical morphology as well as the physiological function of the ocular surface epithelium (cornea and conjunctiva), the efferent tear ducts (nasolacrimal ducts), and the nasal cavity (Figure 1A). The tear film covers the ocular surface epithelium It provides nutrients, hydration, and oxygen, smoothens the epithelial surface, forms an essential part of the refractive optical system, and protects against pathogens (e.g., viruses) [10].
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