Growth Factor and Neurotrophic Factor mRNA in Human Lacrimal Gland

Abstract

This study demonstrates that RT-PCR is a rapid and sensitive method for analyzing rare mRNA transcripts in small amounts of tissue. The results suggest that these growth and neurotrophic factors may have autocrine and paracrine roles in modulating the lacrimal gland, and their absence may play a role in pathologic states such as fibrosis and dry eyes.