The Analysis of Human Tear Proteins Using Protein Electrophoresis

The proportion of tear proteins is different markedly in various ocular diseases, so its measurement may be of considerable diagnostic value in certain ocular conditions. We studied prospectively proportion of tear proteins in 50 normal adult Koreans. 25 male and 25 female, by using protein electrophoresis. Four fractions were demonstrated by protein electrophoresis using cellulose acetate membrane: Fraction 1 represents as tear-specific prealbumin(TSP1) and albumin, fraction 2 as other tear-specific prealbumin(TSP2), fraction 3 as lactotransferrin and immunoglobulin, and fraction 4 as lysozyme. In this study, the proportion of tear proteins in fraction 1 to 4 were 33.4%, 1.1%, 44.2%, and 21.2% respectively. With age, the proportion of fraction 4 decreased, and its decrease was not statistically significant difference. There was no statistically significant difference between age groups in fractions 1,2 or 3. Difference of proportion of tear proteins between the sex was not statistically significant in any of the fractions. Further studies on the tear proteins may be helpful in diagnosing some ocular conditions.

Ultra-Structural Changes of the Chorioretina Following Intra-Vitreal Injection of Ornithine in Rabbit

The ultrastructural changes of the chorioretina following the intravitreal injection of ornithine in rabbit eyes at 1,2,4,8 week time intervals were investigated employing electron microscopy in this animal experiment. 1. 1 week after injection, swelling of the mitochondria in the cytoplasm of the pigment epithelium was seen. 2. 2 weeks after injection, phagosomes and phagolysosomes were present in the cytoplasm of the pigment epithelium and nerve elements in the inner nuclear layer disappeared and were replaced by Muller cell. 3. 4 weeks after injection, stroma of the choroid was atrophied and abundant melanocytes were aggregated, and papillary formed pigment epithelium with detachment of the retina was seen. 4. 8 weeks after injection, stromal atrophy and attenuated choriocapillaries of the choroid were present, and proliferation of the microvilli of the pigment epithelium after detachment of the retina was seen. 5. In summary intravitreal injection of ornithine in rabbits initially caused marked changes in the pigment epithelium with subsequent degeneration of the choroid and sensory retina.

The Result of the Dacryocystorhinostomy on the Chronic Dacryocystitis

We performed 75 cases of daryocystorhinostomy from Jan. 1988 to Dec. 1990. A routine dacryocystography was performed prior to operation in all cases. A modified T oti's method was applied as a surgical technique "H" shaped incision was done. Both anterior and posterior flaps were sutured adequately and vaseline guaze was used as a plugging agent for 7 to 10 days Success was achieved in 72(96.0%) of 75 cases. The causes of 3-failures were organized granulation tissue and trauma.

Histological Study in Choroidal Vascular Occlusion Induced by Laser Irradiation Combined with Fluorescein Injection

The purpose of this study is to observe the choroidal vascular occlusion by photocoagulation under intravenous administration of fluorescein sodium. Argon laser photocoagulation(intensity: 50 mW, duration: 0.05 sec., spot size: 200 micrometer) was applied to the retina of the left eye(control group) and the same method was repeated to the right eye combined with intravenous infusion of 2 ml of fluorescein sodium in the pigmented rabbit(experimental group). The photocoagulated rabbit eyes were enucleated after 2 hrs, 1, 3 and 5 days and the retina and choroid were observed under electron microscopy. The result were as follows. 1. In the control group, loss of melanin pigments in the retinal pigment epithelium and destruction of outer segments of the photoreceptor were observed but endothelial cells of choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane were intact. 2. In the experimental group, two hours after irradiation, endothelial cells of choriocapillaries were destroyed and capillary lumen was occupied with thrombus components, the retinal pigment epithelium and outer segment of the photoreceptor cells were also destroyed. One day after irradiation, occupied materials in lumen were absorbed but residual debris of thrombus was demonstrated. Three days after irradiation, newly formed endothelial cel1 processes were extended in the area of destroyed choriocapilJaries. Five days after irradiation, long processes of newly fonned endothelial cells extended in the area of choriocapillaries. The outer part of retina was repaired with newly formed pale pigment epithelium and proliferated Miil1er cells. 3. In conclusion, argon laser-provoked vascular change was more easily recognized by intraluminal fluorescein sodium which probably acted as an energy absorbent.

A Case of Morning Glory Syndrome

The authors experienoed a case of morning glory syndrome which is an unusual congenital anomaly of optic nerve. The "morning glory" disc of our case was unilaterally enlarged optic disc with a funnel-shaped excavation and an elevated peripapillary tissue annulus. The retinal vessels were straiht andd narrow, and their origins may be obscured by a central mass of whitish tissue overlying the optic disc. Also slit-lamp examination revealed a posterior capsular lens opacity consistent with a Mittendorf's dot. So, we report this case with the review of the literatures.