Stimulation of goblet cell mucous secretion by activation of nerves in rat conjunctiva

An epithelial debridement wound, as a stimulus to the cornea, causes conjunctival goblet cell mucous secretion in that eye. To determine if this stimulation of secretion is neurally mediated, rats were anesthetized and the local anesthetic lidocaine (1%) or buffer alone was administered topically and/or subconjunctivally for 15 min. A corneal epithelial debridement wound was made in one eye. The contralateral eye served as the control. After 5-120 min, animals were sacrificed and inferior bulbar conjunctival buttons removed. Mucus in the goblet cells was stained with Alcian blue and periodic acid-Schiff's reagent to indicate mucin-containing goblet cells. The number of mucin-containing goblet cells/0.16 mm2 was determined by light microscopy; a decrease in number indicated an increase in mucous secretion. Stimulation by corneal wounding induced goblet cell mucous secretion in that eye. Secretion was observed as rapidly as 5 min after stimulus and for as long as 120 min. Topical application of lidocaine, subconjunctival injection of lidocaine, or a combination of both inhibited wound-induced stimulation of mucous secretion. We conclude that conjunctival goblet cell mucous secretion can be neurally mediated and could serve as an immediate response to protect the ocular surface.