Meibomian Gland Changes in the Rhino Mouse

The study on rhino mice, which have a single gene recessive mutation causing hair loss and skin abnormalities, revealed significant changes in their meibomian glands. Researchers examined nine rhino mice and their normal littermates from 3 months to 1 year old using various microscopy techniques and immunostaining. At 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. Scanning electron microscopy showed the gland orifice was plugged with keratinized cells, unlike the normal patent orifice. Ocular changes included a whitish exudate on the eye surface and increased corneal epithelial cells. These findings indicated that the rhino mouse might be the first naturally occurring model for meibomian gland disorder.