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Serotonin in human tears

X D Martin1, M C Brennan

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.

European Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Serotonin has been detected in human tears, suggesting a role in corneal health. This finding opens new avenues for understanding tear function and ocular surface physiology.

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Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Postulated presence of serotonergic receptors in corneal epithelium.
  • Hypothesized role of serotonin in stimulating cyclic AMP and chloride secretion.
  • Tears as a potential source of serotonin bathing the corneal epithelium.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and concentration of serotonin in human tears.
  • To explore potential differences in serotonin levels between stimulated and emotional tears.

Main Methods:

  • Tear collection from 22 normal subjects (20 microliters) via trigeminal stimulation.
  • Analysis of tear samples using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.
  • Collection and analysis of emotionally evoked tears from two subjects.

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Main Results:

  • Serotonin was identified and quantified in all subjects, with a mean concentration of 2.74 +/- 1.99 ng/ml.
  • No significant gender-based difference in tear serotonin levels was observed.
  • Emotionally evoked tears showed significantly higher serotonin concentrations compared to trigeminally stimulated tears.

Conclusions:

  • Demonstrates for the first time the presence of serotonin in human tears.
  • Suggests a potential role for tear serotonin in corneal epithelial function.
  • Highlights the need for further research into serotonin's function in ocular physiology and differences in tear types.