小鼠外泪腺腺房发育的研究

小鼠作为实验动物具有价廉、发育周期短等优点 ,但对其泪腺的发育状况尚未见报道。本实验应用基础染色和免疫组织化学法 ,对不同年龄段的小鼠外泪腺进行观察 ,以了解小鼠外泪腺的腺房出生后的发育过程 ,以期为今后泪腺病研究所需动物模型提供依据。1　实验方法1 1　动物　雄性小白鼠 (ＢＡＬＢ/ｃ系 )。石蜡标本组取生后0日、3日、1周、2周、4周、8周龄各 6只 ,(因意外情况 ,3日、1周组各 5只 )。1 2　标本制作　 (1)石蜡标本组的小鼠 ,先用乙醚麻醉后开胸 ,左心室 1/ 15Ｍ磷酸缓冲液 (ＰＤ、ｐＨ 7 4)灌流稀释 ,再用4%福尔马林全身灌流固定…     

Smad4对小鼠泪腺发育的影响

背景Smad4是转化牛长因子β(TGF-β)超家族分子信号通路的一个关键调节因子.在许多组织器官的正常发育中起重要作用,目前其在泪腺发育中的作用鲜有报道. 目的 利用Smad4条件性基因敲除小鼠模型探讨Smad4在泪腺失活后对其发育的影响.方法 通过使用Pax6启动子控制下的Le-Cre转基因小鼠和Smad4条件基因敲除小鼠建立晶状体外胚层特异性Smad4条件性基因敲除小鼠(C57BL/6小鼠系),失活Smad4在泪腺、晶状体、角膜和眼睑外胚层的表达,采用常规组织学方法观察其泪腺的形态学改变,同时Cre及Rosa26报道基因双转基因小鼠通过LacZ染色观察泪腺发育过程中与同龄野生型小鼠泪腺发育和形态的差别.每组至少使用6只同龄小鼠或小鼠胚胎进行比较.结果 LacZ染色显示,与孕15.0d的野生型相比,同胎龄Smad4基因敲除小鼠胚胎仍可形成泪腺原芽,但其明显短小;孕16.5d的野生型泪腺芽已有分支,而变异型仍未见分支,仅前端变圆钝,至孕18.0d虽有分支并出现腺泡,但其分支、腺泡大小和数目均明显少于野生型;组织解剖学发现Smad4变异小鼠出生后其泪腺发育仍旧缓慢,表现为其腺体大小、分叶及腺泡数目均较同龄野生小鼠者显著减少,并自P7起出现渐进性增加的色素及脂肪堆积,至成熟期,腺体完全被脂肪组织和色索所取代.结论 Smad4对于小鼠泪腺的正常发育有着重要的作用,并可能影响腺体内色素和脂肪的代谢.     

针刺对干眼兔泪腺形态学及泪腺上皮细胞凋亡相关基因蛋白表达的影响

目的 探讨针刺对干眼兔泪腺形态学及泪腺上皮细胞凋亡相关基因蛋白表达的影响,分析针刺对干眼的作用机制.方法 取健康新西兰白兔18只随机分为空白组、模型组、针刺组,每组6只,空白组不作任何处理;模型组皮下注射氢溴酸东莨菪碱,每天4次,每次2 mg·kg-1共24 d;针刺组在与模型组同样处理的基础上进行针刺,每天1次,共14 d.不同时段观察各组泪液分泌试验检测泪液量的结果,光镜、电镜观察泪腺形态学变化,免疫组织化学检测泪腺组织中凋亡相关基因蛋白的表达.结果 泪液分泌试验检测泪液量结果显示在针刺第4、7、14天同时段针刺组与模型组相比明显升高,差异均有统计学意义(均为P＜0.05);在针刺第14天时,针刺组与实验前相比,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).光镜、电镜示针刺组泪腺上皮细胞胞浆丰富,排列紧密,活动良好,与空白组接近.免疫组织化学检测显示与模型组比较,针刺组泪腺导管及腺泡上皮细胞中Bax的阳性细胞半定量评分值明显低,差异有统计学意义(P ＜0.05);Bcl-2的阳性细胞半定量评分值亦低,但差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与空白组相比,针刺组Bax、Bcl-2评分值差异均无统计学意义(均为P＞0.05).与模型组比较,针刺组的泪腺导管及腺泡上皮细胞中Fas、FasL的阳性细胞半定量评分值明显低,差异均有统计学意义(均为P＜0.05).与空白组相比,针刺组Fas、FasL评分值差异均无统计学意义(均为P＞0.05).结论 针刺通过抑制干眼兔泪腺组织的细胞凋亡及腺体萎缩,促进兔干眼模型的泪腺代谢,从而达到增加泪液分泌的作用.     

泪腺混合瘤免疫组化研究

报道1例正常泪腺及14例泪腺混合瘤的免疫组化研究结果。正常泪腺中，腺泡上皮各种抗体标记均为阴性，导管上皮细胞角蛋白标记为阳性，而位于腺泡及导管上皮细胞周围的肌上皮细胞肌动蛋白标记为强阳性。泪腺良性混合瘤中，管状结构的内层细胞及鳞状细胞KER、EMA及CEA为阳性表达，而VIM、ACT及S-100等均为阴性表达。与此相反，管状结构的外层细胞、基质内棱形多角形细胞，粘液基质及软骨样成分等。VIM、ACT，S-100等为阳性表达，KER，EMA及CEA等多为阴性表达。依据本实验研究的初步结果，我们认为泪腺混合瘤中管状结构的外层细胞、基质中棱形多角形细胞等均为变异的肌上皮细胞。且这种细胞在粘液基质形成中起重要作用。     

泪腺上皮性肿瘤的免疫组织化学研究

泪腺上皮性肿瘤(混合瘤、囊腺癌)是眼眶中较常见的肿瘤,多年来,国内、外学者对该肿瘤的组织发生及构成尚有争论。本文运用角蛋白、癌胚抗原单克隆抗体对泪腺上皮性肿物进行免疫组织化学染色研究,从细胞学免疫组织化学角度探讨泪腺上皮性肿瘤的组织起源、组织构成及其性质等问题,从而深化对泪腺上皮性肿瘤的认识。     

副泪腺有神经支配吗?--人副泪腺中神经末梢的超微结构研究

目的 探讨副泪腺的分泌机制,提供副泪腺神经支配的形态学证据。方法 １０例人眼标本,男性９人,女婿生１人,年龄２０－３８岁,用标准透射电技术对４２个Ｋｒａｕｓｅ腺Ｗｏｌｆｒｉｎｇ腺进行观察。结果 副泪腺间质中广泛存在大量无髓神经纤维,轴突终末与肌上皮细胞形成突结构,突触间隙１０￣３０ｎｍ;裸一突终末窗过上皮基膜,超产地于腺上皮细胞间并与之突触结构。轴突终末膨体内焦点有大量圆形清突触小泡及少量中央为致     

泪腺作为潜在人免疫缺陷病毒储存库的分子机制研究

背景 获得性免疫缺陷综合征(AIDS)是由人类免疫缺陷病毒(HIV)感染引起的以全身免疫系统严重损害为特征的感染性疾病,目前主要的治疗方法是高效抗逆转录病毒疗法(HAART),但不能彻底清除患者体内的免疫缺陷病毒(HIV),目前认为是病毒潜伏于HIV储存库所致.研究证实HAART治疗后患者血浆中HIV载量检测阴性的AIDS患者的泪液中发现了HIV,因此探索其眼部储存库是非常重要的. 目的 探讨泪腺组织是否具有HIV储存库的分子基础以及HIV感染泪腺组织的发生机制.方法 收集2013年11月至2015年12月在北京协和医院因泪腺良性疾病行泪腺手术获得的泪腺组织标本14例,其中13例来自于HIV阴性患者,l例来自于HIV阳性患者.13例HIV阴性患者临床诊断为泪腺脱垂者9例和泪腺炎者4例,病理诊断为正常泪腺组织者12例和泪腺间质淋巴组织增生者l例.HIV阳性患者的临床诊断为泪腺炎,病理诊断为泪腺间质淋巴组织增生.将12例HIV阴性和1例HIV阳性患者的泪腺组织标本用石蜡固定切片,采用免疫组织化学法检测泪腺标本中HIV受体CD4及CXC趋化因子受体4(CXCR4)和CC趋化因子受体5(CCR5)分子的表达;1例HIV阴性患者的泪腺组织标本制备成新鲜冰冻切片,采用免疫荧光染色对泪腺标本中CD4及CXCR4和CCR5分子的表达进行验证. 结果 免疫组织化学染色显示,HIV阴性患者泪腺组织CD4分子染色背景强,为可疑阳性表达;各例标本中多数泪腺上皮细胞可见CXCR4表达,定位于细胞质和细胞核,少数泪腺上皮细胞不表达CXCR4;在各例标本中少数泪腺上皮细胞中CCR5呈局灶阳性表达,主要位于细胞质和细胞核,多数泪腺上皮细胞不表达CCR5.HIV阳性患者泪腺组织中CD4分子染色背景强,为可疑阳性表达;CXCR4及CCR5在泪腺上皮细胞中为阳性表达;间质组织中可见大量散在淋巴细胞,其CD4、CXCR4及CCR5均为阳性表达.免疫荧光染色显示,HIV阴性患者泪腺组织中CD4、CXCR4、CCR5均呈红色荧光,CD4呈线状及片状分布,主要定位于泪腺上皮细胞的细胞膜,而CXCR4和CCR5则呈现散在点状分布,定位于泪腺上皮细胞的细胞质. 结论 HIV相关分子受体CD4及其辅助受体CXCR4、CCR5在泪腺上皮细胞均呈阳性表达,泪腺上皮细胞具有受到HIV感染和成为HIV储存库的分子基础.     

泪腺腺样囊性癌的超微结构观察

目的观察泪腺腺样囊性癌(adenoid cystic carcinoma,ACC)与正常泪腺的超微结构,明确肿瘤基底膜(basement membrance,BM)改变与病理类型的关系。方法收集泪腺ACC和正常泪腺标本各6例,行透射电子显微镜检查,观察不同病理分型ACC超微结构特点和BM形态的改变。结果正常泪腺的腺泡由腺上皮细胞和肌上皮细胞组成,细胞的基底面与结缔组织间有均匀的BM相隔。病理分型为管状型和筛状型的ACC肿瘤细胞由腺上皮和肌上皮细胞组成,排列紊乱,细胞染色质分布不均,深染;BM明显增厚,呈多层,互相交织成网状或不规则折叠,肿瘤细胞可伸出伪足侵入BM,使其中断溶解。实性型ACC细胞间界限不清,细胞外堆积大量溶解的细胞外基质,完整BM结构少见。结论 ACC的BM增厚、结构紊乱、溶解和中断可能是肿瘤侵袭能力的体现。阻断肿瘤细胞对BM的降解或减少相关酶的活性,有可能成为治疗或延缓肿瘤侵袭的新靶点。     

视网膜色素变性Rd1小鼠眼球中增殖细胞核抗原（PCNA）的表达

目的　探讨增殖细胞核抗原（proliferating cell nuclear antigen,PCNA）在Rd1小鼠视网膜上的表达情况。方法　取出生后14 d、21 d、28 d的Rd1小鼠和C57BL/6J小鼠各5只,摘出眼球进行HE染色,观察视网膜形态学结构变化;免疫组织化学染色与实时荧光定量PCR检测PCNA蛋白和基因在不同鼠龄小鼠中的表达。结果　HE染色结果显示:PCNA蛋白均在两种小鼠视网膜神经节细胞中表达;C57BL/6J小鼠视网膜结构完整;与C57BL/6J小鼠相比,Rd1小鼠视网膜发育随着鼠龄的增加,发生进行性退化。免疫组织化学染色结果显示:PCNA蛋白表达仅局限于视网膜神经节细胞,免疫阳性信号出现在第14天和第21天,而在第28天未检测到。PCR 实验结果显示:与C57BL/6J小鼠相比较,鼠龄21 d时Rd1小鼠PCNA基因表达水平增高,是C57BL/6J小鼠的2.23倍;鼠龄14 d和28 d时 Rd1小鼠PCNA基因表达均低于C57BL/6J小鼠（均为P<0.05）。结论　PCNA基因参与了Rd1小鼠视网膜发育退化过程。     

关注泪腺腺样囊性癌诊断和治疗中需要注意的问题

泪腺腺样囊性癌是泪腺最为常见的恶性肿瘤之一,具有较高的复发率和死亡率.此病发病机制不明,预后较差.目前,泪腺腺样囊性癌尚无标准化的诊疗方案,在临床诊疗过程中也存在着一些问题.为了提高有关泪腺腺样囊性癌的诊疗质量,本文将从泪腺腺样囊性癌的流行病学、临床表现、影像学检查方法 的选择、诊断与鉴别诊断、病理组织学改变和免疫组织化学指标、治疗方案的选择及预后等方面加以述评,以期有助于临床医师加强对该病的认识,提高早期诊断率,减少误诊率.     

Apoptosis and related gene expression in lacrimal gland of cases with Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To assess the roles of apoptosis and expression of the related genes in lacrimal glandular destruction of patients with Sj?gren's syndrome (SS). METHODS: Small pieces of palpebral lobes of lacrimal glands were obtained from 12 patients (10 with primary Sj?gren's syndrome, 2 with secondary Sj?gren's syndrome) and 7 normal controls. They had been investigated by the in situ end labeling and immunohistochemical staining to detect the apoptotic cells and the expression of Fas, FasL, bcl-2 and Bax. RESULTS: The number of epithelial apoptotic cells in lacrimal glands of patients with SS was significantly higher than that in normal glands, and SS epithelial cells showed increased expression of Fas, FasL and Bax. There was significant positive correlation between the number of the apoptotic cells and that of the cells expressing Fas, FasL and Bax, respectively, and there was significant negative correlation between the number of the apoptotic cells and that of the cells expressing bcl-2. CONCLUSIONS: The apoptosis of the epithelial cells in the lacrimal gland may be one of the mechanisms leading to the glandular destruction found in SS. In SS lacrimal glands, the expression of Fas, FasL and Bax may promote apoptosis, and the expression of bcl-2 may inhibit apoptosis.     

Ultrastructural study of the lacrimal glands in severe dry eye disease following Stevens-Johnson syndrome

PurposeThis study aimed to examine the ultrastructural features of the lacrimal glands of patients with severe dry eye due to Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).MethodsBiopsies form orbital lobes of six lacrimal glands obtained from fresh body donors (n=3) and patients with SJS (n=3; absolute tear deficiency; 2-6 months of disease duration) were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).ResultsOn TEM, normal lacrimal glandular tissue shows columnar acinar epithelial cells containing basally located rounded or oval euchromatic nuclei with cytoplasmic electron dense and ­moderately electron-dense secretory granules. Histologically, the lacrimal gland biopsies showed varied degree of acinar atrophy with lymphocytic infiltration in SJS patients. While on TEM, the lacrimal glands in SJS patients showed homogenous appearance of the nuclear chromatin of acinar cells with no differentiation into hetero-or euchromatin and loss of nucleoli. The cytoplasm lacked any electron dense material and showed significant loss of endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and Golgi bodies. The myoepithelial cells shared similar characteristics as in acinar epithelial cells along with loss of spindle shaped processes.ConclusionTransmission electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural changes in terms of nuclear composition, secretory vesicles, lysosomal vacuolation and myoepithelial cell distribution in the lacrimal glands of SJS patients.     

Lacrimal gland fluid secretion and lymphocytic infiltration in the NZB/W mouse model of Sj?gren's syndrome.

PURPOSE: The fluid secretory impairment of lacrimal and salivary glands in Sj?gren's syndrome (SS) is thought to be related to the extent of lymphocytic infiltration (LI) and subsequent loss of glandular tissue. In this study, we examine the correlation between the extent of tear flow reduction and the extent of LI of lacrimal glands in the NZB/W mouse, a model of SS. METHODS: We stimulated tear production by topical application of carbachol onto the gland while fluid was collected from the lacrimal duct. The lacrimal glands were removed after fluid collection for histology. RESULTS: Fluid secretion in response to carbachol was less in the majority of young NZB/W females compared to C57 control animals and none of the glands showed LI. Fluid secretion was also impaired in the majority of old NZB/W females, and the extent of LI was highly variable. Some of the old SW females also showed blunted fluid secretory responses and some degree of focal LI. Young SW females showed no LI and most animals exhibited normal flow responses. Analysis of paired flow and LI measurements showed no correlation between LI and flow impairment in any of the groups or in the pooled data. Carbachol-stimulated protein secretion from lacrimal gland slices in vitro were similar in young and old SW and NZB/W mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that LI alone is not sufficient to explain the secretory dysfunction in the NZB/W mouse model of Sj?gren's syndrome.     

Immunohistochemical study of pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland

We performed immunohistochemical examinations in 1 hypertrophy and 3 pleomorphic adenomas of the lacrimal glands with monoclonal antibodies to S-100 protein and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein). It was thought that hypertrophy of the lacrimal gland would be cytological equivalent to normal lacrimal gland tissue because of the lack of cytological atypia except when accompanied by lymphoid infiltration. In hypertrophy of lacrimal gland, S-100 protein was identified in myoepithelial cells and parts of the ductal epithelia, but GFAP was not identified in any part. In pleomorphic adenomas of lacrimal glands, asteroid cells of myxoid and/or chondroid areas were strongly stained with both antibodies to S-100 protein and GFAP. In solid areas of pleomorphic adenomas, S-100 protein-positive fusiform or round cells and GFAP-positive round cells were observed. It was thought that S-100 protein-positive cells could have originated from myoepithelial cells and GFAP could be a tumor-associated antigen. The results coincided with recent immunohistochemical findings of pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary gland. It was suspected that pleomorphic adenoma of lacrimal gland could develop from mesenchymal metaplasia of myoepithelial cells as in the case of pleomorphic adenoma of salivary gland.     

Histology,histochemistry and fine structure of the lacrimal and nictitans gland in the South American armadillo Chaetophractus villosus (Xenarthra,Mammalia)

The anatomical, histological, histochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of the lacrimal gland (LG) and nictitans gland (NG) of the armadillo Chaetophractus villosus were described. The histochemical and histological features of both glands in male and female adult animals were compared. The tissues were processed with conventional techniques for light and transmission electron microscopy. Fixed specimens were submitted to a battery of tests for glycans, glycosaminglycans, glycoconjugates, proteins, and lipids. The LG of the armadillo may be considered within the set of glandulae lacrimales superior in which primates, carnivores, perisodactyls and artiodactyls are included. The localization of the NG was similar to that of other mammals. Lacrimal and NG were histologically and histochemically identical. The secretory endpieces consisted of three cell types: (1) Mucous cells (MC) with different types of mucous secretory granules with neutral and sialic acid-containing glycoconjugates (GCs). (2)Seromucous cells (SMC) showing a variety of moderately electron dense secretory granules with flocculent material with carboxylated acidic, neutral, and sialic acid-containing GCs. Intercellular canaliculi with junctional complexes and basolateral intercellular spaces were frequent. (3) Serous cells (SC) with electron dense secretory granules. Histochemically, they showed the strongest reaction for proteins and neutral, weakly acid and carboxylated acidic GCs.The epithelium of the intra- and inter-lobular excretory ducts showed secretory activity, junctional complexes, and wide basolateral intercellular spaces with lateral folds. The endpieces and ducts were surrounded by myoepithelial cells. The stroma was characterized by fenestrated endothelium, unmyelinated axons, and abundant plasma cells. MC, SMC, and the duct system were richly innervated by hypolemmal nerve terminals.     

Lacrimal Gland Microenvironment Changes After Obstruction of Lacrimal Gland Ducts

PurposeTo investigate microenvironment changes of the lacrimal gland after obstruction of lacrimal gland ducts.MethodsThe ducts of rat exorbital lacrimal gland were ligated by sutures for different durations. After that, the sutures in some animals were released, and they were observed for 21 days to evaluate the recovery of the lacrimal gland. Slit lamp and tear secretion test was performed to evaluate ocular surface and lacrimal gland function. The lacrimal gland and cornea were harvested and processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining, oil red O staining, LipidTOX staining, Masson staining, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining.ResultsAfter the lacrimal gland ducts were blocked, tear secretion and the weight of the lacrimal gland were reduced. Incidence of corneal neovascularization increased after seven days. Intraglandular ducts dilated and acini destroyed. Long-term ligation induced fibrosis and lipid accumulation of the lacrimal glands. Inflammatory cell infiltrated and inflammatory factors upregulated. Proliferative and apoptotic cells increased. Structure of myoepithelial cells and basement membrane was destroyed. The p63 expression increased whereas Pax6 expression decreased. After suture release, tear secretion and structure of acini could recover in less than seven days after ligation, with a decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis relief. Apoptotic cells and proliferative cells increased at five days thereafter. The structure of the myoepithelial cells and basement membrane could not recover three days after ligation, and the number of mesenchymal cells increased in ligation after five to 14 days.ConclusionsBlockage of the lacrimal gland ducts results in dystrophy of lacrimal gland acini cells, inflammation, and lipid accumulation of the lacrimal gland microenvironment. Long-term duct blockage will cause irreversible lacrimal gland failure.     

Pathologic changes in the exorbital lacrimal gland of the vitamin A-deficient rat

Histologic changes in lacrimal glands of vitamin A-deficient (A-) and pair-fed control rats were compared. In A- lacrimal glands, secretory granules were strikingly diminished, and rough endoplasmic reticulum appeared somewhat atrophic. Nuclei of acinar cells were hyperchromatic and pleomorphic. Using alcian blue-PAS, no positive staining was present in acini of A- lacrimal glands, whereas in controls apical portions of acini were intensely stained. Thus, lacrimal tissues of A- rats were thought to be poorly differentiated as a glandular epithelium. When A- rats were supplemented with retinyl acetate, secretory granules reappeared, rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae greatly dilated, and mitochondria proliferated, indicating accelerated secretory activity. Resupply of vitamin A can induce glandular differentiation in A- lacrimal tissues. Tear volume was not decreased in A- rats compared with pair-fed controls. Regression of secretory organelles in A- lacrimal tissues may lead to a decrease in protein and mucoprotein secretion and subsequent changes in tear composition.     

Demonstration of nerve fibers in human accessory lacrimal glands

To provide morphologic evidence for the innervation of accessory lacrimal glands, glands were biopsied and examined using standard transmission electron microscopic techniques. Non-myelinated nerve fibers were found in the connective tissue between the glandular epithelia where they made contact with glandular epithelial cells, myoepithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells, plasma cells and fibroblasts. The distances measured between axons and target cells ranged from 30 to 130 nm. Where nerve fibers approached cells sustaining a basement membrane, their basement membranes fused to form a discrete unit resembling so-called synapses à distance. Cells with no basement membrane were situated in direct contact with the basement membrane of a nerve fiber. Single axons were identified between glandular epithelial cells and cells of intralobular ducts. Most of these axons contained many small clear vesicles and a few large, dense core vesicles, a finding considered typical of cholinergic parasympathetic nerve fibers. In addition, one of the axons identified contained small dense core vesicles typical of sympathetic nerve fibers. Human accessory lacrimal glands are therefore definitely innervated, with parasympathetic structures morphologically prevailing over sympathetic structures.Supported by Aktion Kampf der Erblindung     

Distribution of adrenergic nerves in the lacrimal glands of guinea-pig and rat

The distribution of adrenergic nerves in the ex- and intraorbital lacrimal glands of guinea-pig and rat was studied using the sucrose-potassium phosphate-glyoxylic acid (SPG) technique. Blood vessels and secretory acini of guinea-pig lacrimal glands were demonstrated as having a rich adrenergic innervation. Adrenergic fibers in the rat were, however, much more sparse, and most of them were seen in association with glandular blood vessels, with only a few being found between secretory acini. Pretreatment of animal with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and L-dopa did not change the morphological distribution of catecholamine fluorescent fibers, although the treatment improved the fluorescence, especially in the rat. Extirpation of the ipsilateral superior cervical ganglion eliminated all the fluorescent fibers in both normal and pretreated animals. The presence of adrenergic innervation of the lacrimal glands, especially in close connection with secretory acini, supports the theory that catecholamine-containing nerves play a role in the regulation of lacrimal secretion.     

Myoepithelioma of the Orbital Apex and Middle Cranial Fossa: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Myoepitheliomas are rare tumours that originate from glandular tissues such as the parotid or salivary glands, and less commonly from soft tissues of the head, neck, and other parts of the body. Intraorbital myoepitheliomas generally arise from the lacrimal gland. Intracranial myoepitheliomas are rare. We report a myoepithelioma of the orbital apex that did not originate from the lacrimal gland. It extended to the middle cranial fossa from the orbital apex and involved the dura and adjacent bone. A diagnostic biopsy via a lateral orbitotomy preceded resection. We review the natural course and histopathology of myoepithelial neoplasms, the surgical nuances of approaching an orbital apex tumour with maximal functional preservation, and the optimal management practices of these rare lesions.