The Eicosanoid, 15-(S)-HETE, Stimulates Secretion of Mucin-like Glycoprotein by the Corneal Epithelium

Abstract

Exposure of the cornea to 15-(S)-HETE causes a rapid-onset increase in the thickness of a layer of mucin-like glycoprotein on the surface of the corneal epithelium. This supports previous reports that corneal epithelial cells produce mucin and suggests that treatment with topical 15-(S)-HETE may be effective in treating ocular surface mucin deficiency in dry eye syndrome.