Meibomian Gland Changes in the Rhino Mouse
July 1988
in “
PubMed
”
Studysummary In this study, researchers observed that rhino mice exhibit significant ductal hyperkeratinization in the meibomian gland, which may represent the first naturally occurring disorder of this gland in mice.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The study investigated meibomian gland changes in the rhino mouse, a model characterized by a single gene recessive mutation leading to hair loss and skin abnormalities. Researchers examined 9 rhino mice and their normal littermates from 3 months to 1 year of age using various microscopy techniques and immunostaining. They found that by 3 months, the rhino mice exhibited thickening and hyperkeratinization of the palpebral epidermis, extending into the meibomian gland duct, leading to gland atrophy by 1 year. The gland orifices were plugged with keratinized cells, unlike the normal patent orifices. Ocular surface changes included a whitish exudate and increased preexfoliative corneal epithelial cells. These findings suggested that the rhino mouse might represent the first naturally occurring disorder of the meibomian gland.
