Abstract
The marked changes in lacrimal secretion associated with experimental xerophthalmia, suggested a study of the lacrimal glands of animals suffering from this condition. Young rats weighing from 45 to 50 grams were subjected to a diet deficient in fatsoluble A. The diet consisted of casein, mineral salts, starch, lard, and yeast. There were 24 animals in the series including 6 with early eye changes, 8 with advanced changes, 4 cured cases and 6 normal controls. In the early 6 cases the lacrimal glands appeared little altered, although in some the glandular epithelium looked to be somewhat modified, the cells being markedly vacuolated and quite ragged in outline. Of the 8 advanced cases, one showed a widespread suppurative inflammatory process with polymorphonuclear leukocytes filling the tubules. In three there were foci of necrosis, which were quite numerous in one instance. In the four remaining cases the parenchymal cells were possibly slightly altered. Three out of four cured cases showed mononuclear cell accumulations, foci of atrophy, or fibrosis. In the glands of the six normal animals definite changes were found in one only.
From a review of all the material, we believe the following tentative conclusions are justified:
1. The lacrimal gland may be the seat of a marked pathological change, either degenerative or inflammatory in nature.
2. Such changes are much more marked in xerophthalmic than in normal rats.
3. Variations in the size, form, and staining properties of the cells are frequently seen and are probably referable to functional disturbances related to the ophthalmia.
4. These changes may account for some of the phenomena of xerophthalmia, particularly the drying of the cornea in the later stage of the condition.
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