HISTOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF LACRIMAL GLAND IN OVARIECTOMIZED

ABSTRACTThis study was performed to demonstrate the histological, and immunohistochemical changes which occur in the albino rat’s lacrimal gland after the ovariectomy and to explore the role of hormone replacement therapy in prevention of dry eye. The present results showed increased connective tissue in septa after the ovariectomy. The acini acquired wide lumen and their lining became lower in height and vacuolated The gland became infiltrated with inflammatory cells. After hormone treatment (estrogen or androgen} the gland nearly recover its normal architecture. After ovariectomy acmar cells showed disappearance of the immune reaction for estrogen receptors although after the hormone therapy they still negative. Immune reaction for bcl-2 were negative in both acinar and ductal cells alter the ovariectomy while, in hormone treated rats showed rise in positive reaction in ductal cells.