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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Bead Based Multiplex Assay for Analysis of Tear Cytokine Profiles
Published on: October 13, 2017
Survey of cytokines in normal canine tears by multiplex analysis: A pilot study
Paoul S Martinez1, Eric S Storey1, Cherie M Pucheu-Haston1
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine Louisiana State University, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, United States.
Insights
This pilot study measured cytokines in canine tears using a multiplex assay. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) was consistently detected, suggesting undiluted samples are best for canine tear cytokine analysis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Tear cytokines play crucial roles in ocular surface health and disease.
- Limited research exists on canine tear cytokine profiles, hindering diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify cytokine levels in normal stimulated canine tears using a multiplexed assay.
- To establish baseline cytokine concentrations for future comparative studies in canine ocular conditions.
Main Methods:
- Stimulated tears were collected from 25 healthy dogs and stored at -80°C.
- A Luminex multiplex assay analyzed tears for IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ.
- Samples were initially tested at a 1:10 dilution, with eight re-analyzed undiluted.
Main Results:
- A 1:10 dilution rendered most analytes undetectable, except for IL-8.
- Undiluted samples revealed consistent detection of IL-8 (16/16 eyes) and IFN-γ (15/16 eyes).
- IL-8 was significantly higher in undiluted samples compared to IFN-γ.
Conclusions:
- This is the first study to report on cytokine analysis in canine tears.
- Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is reliably detected in canine tears, regardless of dilution.
- Undiluted canine tear samples are recommended for accurate cytokine analysis, particularly for IFN-γ.
Objectives:
The purpose of this pilot study was to use a multiplexed assay to measure cytokines in normal stimulated canine tears.
Methods:
25 healthy dogs were included in the study. Stimulated tears were collected in capillary tubes from the right (OD) and left (OS) eyes and stored at -80 °C until batch sample analysis was performed. The samples were analyzed utilizing Luminex® canine-validated multiplex beads on a Bio-Rad multiplex analyzer for IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Based upon previous human studies, tears were initially evaluated at a 1:10 dilution. Eight random samples were later re-analyzed without dilution.
Results:
Diluting the samples 1:10 rendered all analytes undetectable except IL-8. A repeat analysis of eight randomly selected undiluted samples still demonstrated very low cytokine levels except for IL-8 (16/16 eyes; 2254 ± 1677 pg/ml OD, 1095 ± 786.8 pg/ml OS); and IFN-γ (15/16 eyes; 13.37 ± 13.08 pg/ml OD,16.08 ± 19.4 pg/ml OS).
Conclusion:
This pilot study is the first to analyze cytokines in canine tears. This study demonstrated that IL-8 is consistently detected in both diluted and undiluted samples, but undiluted samples may be superior to 1:10 diluted samples for evaluation of other cytokines in canine tears.
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