Spontaneous development of corneal crystalline deposits in MRL/Mp mice.

Purpose: The presence of corneal opacities associated with dacryoadenitis and lacrimal gland destruction has led investigators to consider MRL/Mp mice as models for band keratopathy and Sjögren syndrome. In this study, the authors examined the time course of the corneal opacification and investigated whether the opacities were associated with altered serum levels of parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus, as well as quantitative and qualitative differences in tear production.

Methods: Corneas were analyzed microscopically and tear fluid production was measured by a modified Schirmer test.