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[The peroxidase content of human tears]
Fortschritte Der Ophthalmologie : Zeitschrift Der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft
|January 1, 1989
Summary
The peroxidase antibacterial system is ineffective in human tears due to low peroxidase and thiocyanate levels. Insufficient concentrations prevent its antimicrobial activity in normal tear fluid.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- The peroxidase (POD)-thiocyanate-hydrogen peroxide system is a known antibacterial mechanism found in bodily fluids like milk and saliva.
- Previous studies indicated low thiocyanate levels in human tears, leading to the exclusion of this system's presence.
- Halides like iodide can substitute for thiocyanate in the POD-hydrogen peroxide system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential antibacterial activity of the peroxidase-thiocyanate-hydrogen peroxide system in human tears.
- To determine if POD and thiocyanate concentrations in human tears are sufficient for this antibacterial system's function.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of peroxidase (POD) levels in 22 human tear samples from healthy individuals.
- Assessment of thiocyanate and iodide concentrations in relation to POD activity.
Main Results:
- Nineteen out of 22 tear samples showed POD levels below 20 units/l.
- Three samples had POD concentrations between 20 and 50 units/l.
- Both POD and thiocyanate concentrations were found to be too low for effective antimicrobial activity in normal tear fluid.
Conclusions:
- The peroxidase-thiocyanate-hydrogen peroxide antibacterial system is not effective in normal human tears due to insufficient POD and thiocyanate levels.
- Further research is needed to ascertain the system's efficacy under pathological conditions.