Functional anatomy of human lacrimal duct epithelium |
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| Authors: | F Paulsen Andreas Thale Guido Kohla Roland Schauer Rainer Rochels Reza Parwaresch and Bernhard Tillmann |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Anatomy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Olshausenstrasse 40, D-24098 Kiel, Germany e-mail: fpaulsen@anat.uni-kiel.de, DE;(2) Department of Ophthalmology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Hegewischstrasse 2, D-24105 Kiel, Germany, DE;(3) Department of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Olshausenstrasse 40, D-24098 Kiel, Germany, DE;(4) Department of Haematopathology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Niemannsweg 11, D-24105 Kiel, Germany, DE |
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| Abstract: | Resorption of tear fluid in the lacrimal ducts has hitherto been controversial; one reason for this has been insufficient
knowledge of the anatomical structure and function of the lacrimal duct epithelium. The present study analyzes the structure
of lacrimal duct epithelium by means of histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and electronmicroscopical methods
and draws a conclusion about its physiological function regarding its role in immunodeficiency. Investigations were performed
on 31 lacrimal systems of 17 male and 14 female individuals (aged 54–88 years). Lacrimal ducts are surrounded by a wide-ranging
cavernous system, which is embedded in an osseous canal between the maxilla and the lacrimal bone. The internal wall of the
lacrimal canaliculi is lined by a stratified epithelium. The lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct contain a double-layered epithelium,
which rests on a broad basement membrane. In their apical part epithelial cells contain large lipid droplets and secretory
vacuoles. Epithelial cells are faced by microvilli and some tufts of kinociliae are also visible. Goblet cells are integrated
in the epithelium as solitary cells or in a characteristical arrangement of several cells. The secretory product of these
cells contains carbohydrates including fucose and sialic acid. Inside the surrounding cavernous system serous glands are found
that open their excretory ducts into the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct. Some T- and B-lymphocytes and macrophages may
be demonstrated immunohistochemically in the submucosa partly penetrating the epithelium. Synthesized mucins of goblet cells
form a specialized protective layer on the epithelium of the lacrimal ducts, which functionally serves for a simplified drainage
of tear fluid into the inferior meatus of the nose. Together with immunocompetent cells, the protective layer plays a role
in antigen defense and prevents invasion of pathogenic agents. The facing of epithelial cells by microvilli gives hints of
reabsorption of lacrimal fluid inside the lacrimal ducts.
Accepted: 13 January 1998 |
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| Keywords: | Lacrimal sac Lacrimal duct Anatomy Tear flow Mucin |
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