Effect of diabetes mellitus on acinar morphology, peroxidase concentration, and release in isolated rat lacrimal glands

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of diabetes mellitus on lacrimal gland morphology and function. Materials and Methods: The lacrimal glands of rats (n6) were removed 8 weeks after the onset of diabetes and processed for electron microscopy. The lacrimal gland of control rats (n6) were processed similarly. Lacrimal tissue samples of diabetic rats (n 12) were also incubated with different concentrations (10^-610^-3 M) of acetylcholine and noradrenaline to investigate secretagogue-induced peroxidase release. The lacrimal glands of control rats (n12) were treated in a similar manner. Results: Diabetic rats and their lacrimal glands gained significantly (p<0.05) less weight compared to age-matched controls. Lacrimal acinar cells of diabetic rat have significantly (p<0.001) smaller and more homogenous secretory granules compared to age-matched control. Lacrimal glands of diabetic rats contained significantly (p<0.05) less peroxidase and secrete significantly less quantity (p<0.05) of the enzyme in response to either acetylcholine or noradrenaline challenge compared to control glands. Conclusions: The results indicate that diabetes is associated with lacrimal gland insufficiency as a result of abnormal acinar morphology and reduced peroxidase content and secretion.