Meibomian Gland Changes in the Rhino Mouse

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.