Laboratory science
Impression cytology in Down's syndrome
Department of Ophthalmology, Oasi Institute for
Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging (IRCCS), Troina, Italy
Correspondence to: M Filippello, Oasi Institute, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina (EN), Italy.
Accepted for publication 10 April 1997
AIM
To evaluate both the number and the average
distribution of goblet cells, which are responsible for the production
of the mucin layer of the tear film, in the bulbar conjunctiva of
patients with Down's syndrome. Previous research had used the ferning
test to indicate an alteration in Down's syndrome, but had not
determined which film layer was involved.
METHODSThe presence of goblet cells in the bulbar
conjunctiva of 30 subjects (15 with Down's syndrome, and 15 normal
control subjects) was evaluated using impression cytology.
RESULTSA marked reduction of goblet cells was
found in the Down's syndrome group (81.4 per mm2) when
compared with the control group, where (209.8 per mm2) was found.
CONCLUSIONThe deficit observed appears to be the
cause of the tear film alterations observed in Down's syndrome. In
turn, this may often lead to the formation of dry spots, and to
consequent frequent infections of the anterior segment of the eye.
While it is further hypothesised that the alteration of the
conjunctival epithelium in Down's syndrome may be due to an altered
metabolism of some element or elements, such as vitamin A, further
research will be necessary to corroborate this.
© 1997 by British Journal of Ophthalmology
CiteULike 
Complore 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us 
Digg 
Reddit 
Technorati What's this?
This article has been cited by other articles:
-
Little, J.-A., Woodhouse, J. M., Lauritzen, J. S., Saunders, K. J.
(2007). The Impact of Optical Factors on Resolution Acuity in Children with Down Syndrome. IOVS
48: 3995-4001
[Abstract] [Full Text]
- Full Text
- Full Text (PDF)
- Submit a response
- Alert me when this article is cited
- Alert me when eLetters are posted
- Alert me if a correction is posted
- Citation Map
Services
- Email this link to a friend
- Similar articles in this journal
- Similar articles in PubMed
- Add article to my folders
- Download to citation manager
- Request Permissions
Citing Articles
Google Scholar
PubMed
Topic Collections
Bookmark with
Register for free content
The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.
Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.
