A single injection of interleukin-1 induces reversible aqueous-tear deficiency, lacrimal gland inflammation, and acinar and ductal cell proliferation

Emerging studies from our laboratory demonstrate that interleukin-1 (IL-1) family members play a major role in impairing lacrimal gland functions. Here we have extended our investigations to observe the effects of IL-1 on aqueous tear production, lacrimal gland secretion, lacrimal gland histology, and acinar and ductal cell proliferation. We demonstrate that a single injection of IL-1 into the lacrimal glands inhibited neurally- as well as agonist-induced protein secretion resulting in decreased tear output. Meanwhile, IL-1 injection induced a severe, but reversible (7–13 days), inflammatory response that led to destruction of lacrimal gland acinar epithelial cells. Finally, we demonstrate that as the inflammatory response subsided and lacrimal gland secretion and tear production returned to normal levels, there was increased proliferation of acinar and ductal epithelial cells. Our work uncovers novel effects of IL-1 on lacrimal gland functions and the potential regenerative capacity of the mouse lacrimal gland.