Isolation and propagation of mesenchymal stem cells from the lacrimal gland.

Purpose: Previously, it was reported that the murine lacrimal gland is capable of repair after experimentally induced injury and that the number of stem/progenitor cells was increased during the repair phase (2-3 days after injury). The aim of the present study was to determine whether these cells can be isolated from the lacrimal gland and propagated in vitro.

Methods: Lacrimal gland injury was induced by injection of interleukin (IL)-1, and injection of saline vehicle served as control.