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Meibomian gland changes in the rhino (hrrhhrrh) mouse
J V Jester1, S Rajagopalan, M Rodrigues
1Georgetown University Medical Center, Center For Sight, Washington, D.C. 20007.
Abstract:
The rhino mouse, a single gene recessive mutation, is characterized by abnormal epidermal differentiation and maturation leading to the loss of hair at 1 month of age as well as follicular and epidermal hyperkeratoses. We evaluated the lids and corneas of nine rhino mice and their normal litter mates at various ages from 3 months to 1 year. Tissue specimens were studied by light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as immunoperoxidase using a polyclonal rabbit anti-keratin antibody. At 3 months of age there was a thickening and hyperkeratinization of the palpebral epidermis which extended into and included the meibomian gland central duct. Whereas in the skin, hyperkeratinization is followed by follicular hyperkeratosis and dermal cyst formation, in the meibomian gland, ductal hyperkeratinization appeared to lead to loss of well developed acini followed by atrophy of the gland at 1 year as confirmed by immunostaining for keratin proteins. Scanning electron microscopy revealed marked plugging of the meibomian gland orifice with keratinized cells or debris in contrast to the patent orifice of the normal lid. Ocular surface changes included the presence of a whitish exudate covering the surface of the eye and increased numbers of preexfoliative corneal epithelial cells. These findings suggest that the rhino mouse may represents the first naturally occurring disorder of the meibomian gland.
Insights
The rhino mouse exhibits abnormal skin development, leading to eyelid and cornea issues. This genetic mutation may represent the first naturally occurring meibomian gland disorder.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Dermatology
Background:
- The rhino mouse is a single gene recessive mutation.
- It displays abnormal epidermal differentiation and maturation.
- This results in hair loss, follicular and epidermal hyperkeratoses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the ocular surface and meibomian glands in rhino mice.
- To characterize the pathological changes associated with the rhino mutation.
Main Methods:
- Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used.
- Immunoperoxidase staining with a polyclonal rabbit anti-keratin antibody was performed.
- Tissue specimens from nine rhino mice and normal littermates were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Thickening and hyperkeratinization of the palpebral epidermis were observed.
- Meibomian gland ductal hyperkeratinization led to acinar atrophy and orifice plugging.
- Ocular surface changes included exudate and increased corneal epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- The rhino mouse demonstrates significant meibomian gland pathology.
- This mouse model may represent the first naturally occurring disorder of the meibomian gland.
- Further research is warranted to explore therapeutic strategies.