[Immediate hypersensitivity to lacrimal gland proteins in sicca syndromes].

A biological study was conducted on tears from 20 subjects with a clinical sicca syndrome. Electrophoresis of lacrymal proteins, determination of lacrymal and salivary immunoglobulins G, and a human basophil degranulation test (HBDT) with a lacrymal gland extract as antigen were performed in each patient. Three different groups could be distinguished: a group with normal electrophoresis and normal HBDT corresponding to hyposecretion; a second group with abnormal electrophoresis and negative HBDT corresponding to an inflammatory state of the lacrymal gland; and a third group with abnormal electrophoresis and positive HBDT corresponding to a deficit in synthesis function of the lacrymal gland.

Lactic deshydrogenase isoenzymes in the ocular tissues and liquids.

Lactic deshydrogenase isoenzymes in different parts of the ocular tissues and humors were analyzed. An appreciation in crossing of the lactic deshydrogenase concentration was indicated. In the human eye, the largest quantities of lactic deshydrogenase were found in the cornea and in the vitreous and aqueous humors, where isoenzymes 3, 4, and 5 are the most numerous.

Functional exploration of the lacrimal gland by tear electrophoresis.

Electrophoresis of tears, a rapid and easy technique, shows several peaks of migration. Three main peaks correspond to the proteins synthesized by the lacrimal gland: rapid migrant proteins, lactoferrin migrating to the anode, and lysozyme migrating to the cathode. Secretory tissue injuries of the lacrimal gland show a more or less important decrease of one or several peaks.

[Immune complexes and soluble immunoglobulin G aggregates: error factors when determining immunity loads in tears and serum (author's transl)].

The search for immune complexes or immunoglobulin G aggregates in ocular liquids is often positive, particularly in tears. Immunoglobulin G titration is therefore as only free immunoglobulin are detected. Immunity load and Witmer ratio are also increased leading to inaccurate results.

[Fungal contamination of hydrophilic contact lenses (author's transl)].

A study was conducted on 113 contact lens showing fungal colonies. The main genus isolated was Cepohalosporium (59.4 p.

[Conjunctival fungal flora of healthy people (author's transl)].

A study has been carried out on three groups of subjects. The first group, living in the surrounding of Paris, without inflammatory diseases and without local treatments, gives a contamination rate of 3,92%, which is well balanced with yeasts and fungoid growth myceliums. The principal isolated species were: Penicillium, Aspergillus, Candida, Rhodotorula.