Comparison of Electrolyte Composition and Crystallization Patterns in Bird and Reptile Tears.

To compare tear electrolytes and tear crystallization patterns in birds and reptiles, tears were sampled by Schirmer tear test from 10 animals each of Ara ararauna, Amazona aestiva, Tyto alba, Rupornis magnirostris, Chelonoidis carbonaria, and Caiman latirostris, and 5 of Caretta caretta. The aliquots were pooled to assess concentrations of total protein, chloride, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, calcium, and urea. For the tear ferning test, samples of each species were observed under a polarized light microscope at room temperature and humidity. Crystallization patterns were graded according Rolando and Masmali scales. There was more total protein and urea in owl and sea turtle tears, respectively, than in the other animals tested. Electrolyte balance was similar for all species, with higher sodium, chloride, and iron. In birds, Rolando-scale grades of tear crystallization patterns ranged from I to II, and from 0 to 2 using the Masmali scale; in reptiles, grades were II to IV (Rolando) and 2 to 4 (Masmali). Crystallization arrangements of some species had higher scores, as caimans and sea turtles, possibly due to different the tear composition. Marine and lacustrine species presented higher. The ionic balance of lacrimal fluids of birds and reptiles was similar to that in humans, with higher values of sodium and chloride. However, a similar tear composition did not influence the crystal morphology. Crystallization classification suggested that higher grades and types are due to the different microelements present in the tears of wild species.

Evaluation of lacrimal production, osmolarity, crystallization, proteomic profile, and biochemistry of capuchin monkeys' tear film.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the composition and characteristics of capuchin monkey (CM) tear film. METHODS: Eleven CM (Sapajus sp.) was evaluated. Strip meniscometry test (SMT), osmolarity, and tear ferning test (TFT) (by Rolando and Masmali scales) were assessed. Tear protein profile (SDS-PAGE), and total protein, albumin, urea, glucose, and cholesterol levels in tear film and blood serum were screened. RESULTS: Median ± semi-interquatil range for SMT and osmolarity values were 8.0 ± 1.625 and 303.0 ± 9.875, respectively. TFT for Rolando was 2.0 ± 0.5, and Masmali was 2.0 ± 0.0. Monkeys's tear obtained type II and III for Rolando, and 1 and 2 for Masmali. Tear components showed protein bands among 23-217 kDa, and presence of albumin, urea, glucose, and cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: The results of SMT, osmolarity, TFT, SDS-PAGE, and tear biochemistry may serve as a reference baseline for CM, and the data may serve as a basis for future experimental model evaluations.

Tear ferning test in healthy dogs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare three tear sampling methods using two grading scales for administering the tear ferning test (TFT) to healthy dogs. METHODS: In total, 90 dogs (180 eyes) were subjected to tear sampling using millimetered strips, reused after the Schirmer tear test (STT) (Schirmer group, SG). Then, the dogs were subdivided into three groups according to sampling approach: micropipette (MPG), microcapillary (MCG), and Schirmer sample 2 (S2G). The collected tears were dried on a clean microscope glass slide at room temperature and humidity. The ferning patterns were observed under a polarized light microscope and classified according to the Rolando and Masmali grading scales. RESULTS: Although all three methods were feasible, the STT was easier to perform in clinical settings. Type I and Grade 1 were the most commonly observed (64.17% and 61.7%, respectively) regardless of collection method. There was no significant difference between the STT median values and the TFT classifications. CONCLUSIONS: The TFT is appropriate for dogs and can be performed using the three suggested sampling methods, with a higher frequency of Type I and Grade 1. Thus, it is possible to use both grading scales in the classification of tear ferning in dogs.