An experimental study of the management of severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca with autologous reduced-sized submandibular gland transplantation

We have evaluated transplantation of reduced submandibular glands for the treatment of severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Thirty-four rabbits were allocated into three groups: dry eye (controls, n = 10), transplantation of whole submandibular glands (n = 12), and transplantation of reduced submandibular glands (n = 12). Outcome measures included the results of Schirmer's test and the Rose Bengal test, and histological examination of the cornea and the transplanted gland. Volume of tears significantly increased after transplantation of the whole gland, but did not change after transplantation of the reduced gland compared with dry eyes induced preoperatively. Neither transplantion group had keratoconjunctivitis sicca postoperatively. There were no histological abnormalities in the transplanted tissues. The results that the surgical technique of using reduced submandibular glands for transplantation was feasible, and that the secretion from the reduced gland was similar to that from a normal lacrimal gland. In conclusion, transplantation of a reduced submandibular glands is feasible in the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca.