Structure and function of non-enzymatically dissociated lacrimal gland acini.

Lacrimal gland acini were isolated utilizing a non-enzymatic dissociation procedure. This method resulted in the rapid isolation of an enriched population of acini from rat lacrimal gland with a complete absence of interlobular and rare occurrence of intralobular duct epithelium. The isolated acini had high viability and retained good histological organization. Alkaline phosphatase activity was present in the myoepithelial cells and capillaries associated with the periphery of the acini, indicating a relatively undisturbed basal surface. Secretion of peroxidase by the isolated acini in response to cholinergic and alpha-adrenergic stimulation indicated that the cell surface receptors in this preparation were retained and were physiologically functional. Thus, we report a dissociation protocol that eliminates enzymatic digestion, but results in a relatively enriched acinar preparation that is appropriate for the assessment of cellular biochemistry and physiology of lacrimal exocrine function of the acini.