ABSTRACT
The aim of this work was to analyse the distribution pattern of S-100-immunoreactive elements in the upper eyelid of the sheep. This pattern may be of importance regarding the diagnosis and prognosis of eyelid tumours that are linked to deregulation of S-100 gene expression. Thirty upper eyelids taken from 15 adult male Ovis aries were studied by means of the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method for light microscopy. S-100-immunopositive cells were found in the eyelid edge. S-100-immunopositive steams and thinner fibres were found throughout the eyelid. These nerve processes typically were denser around glands, hair follicles and blood vessels. S-100-immunopositive elements may play a role as neuromodulator and also in the development of the vegetative innervation of the epithelium and its derivatives.
Subject(s)
Eyelids/metabolism , Hair Follicle/metabolism , Peripheral Nerves/metabolism , S100 Proteins/metabolism , Animals , Blood Vessels/metabolism , Eyelid Neoplasms/diagnosis , Eyelid Neoplasms/metabolism , Eyelid Neoplasms/pathology , Eyelids/blood supply , Eyelids/innervation , Gene Expression Regulation , Immunohistochemistry , Male , SheepABSTRACT
This is the first study which describes the innervation of some eyelid structures, such as the glands of Moll and the glands of Zeiss. It is also the first to investigate the innervation pattern of the eyelid as a whole. We have studied the acetylcholinesterase-positive and paraformaldehyde-induced-fluorescence-positive (FIF+) innervation pattern of the different structures that constitute the upper eyelid of the sheep. There is widespread acetylcholinesterase-positive innervation in the epithelium, but not such an abundant FIF+ innervation. Both types of innervation are represented in the connective tissue by trunks or fibers that are distributed towards the different structures immersed within them. In the glands of Zeiss, cholinesterase-positive innervation is much more widespread than FIF innervation. On the contrary, the glands of Moll present denser FIF+ innervation than acetylcholinesterase-positive innervation. The Meibomian glands and the lachrymal glands show a rich acetylcholinesterase-positive and FIF+ innervation. Eyelid muscle innervation is mainly acetylcholinesterase-positive. In the conjunctive membrane there is no acetylcholinesterase-positive innervation, and only scarce FIF+ fibers can be demonstrated.
