Unusual fatty acids in the lipids of steer and human meibomian gland excreta

Abstract

An unusual group of high molecular weight ω-hydroxy fatty acids have been identified in the lipids of the meibomian glands of steer and humans. These acids comprise about 10% of all the acids of the steer lipid, are primarily monoenoic, and constitute three homologous series with members ranging from C30 to C36. They could be important in helping to spread other meibomian gland lipids over the tear film.