Characterization of Adrenergic Receptors in the Accessory Lacrimal Glands of the Upper Eyelid

PURPOSE: To identify the histologic location as well as the exact subtype of adrenergic receptors in the accessory lacrimal glands of the upper eyelid. METHODS: Upper eyelid specimens were collected from 19 patients undergoing routine blepharoptosis correction via a posterior tarsoconjunctival mullerectomy. Immunohistochemical staining using polyclonal antibodies against human alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1, and beta 2 receptors was performed on all specimens. RESULTS: beta 1 receptors were the predominant adrenergic receptor subtype in the glands of Wolfring. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of beta 1 receptors in the accessory lacrimal glands of the upper eyelid may suggest a possible role for selective beta 1 agonists in the treatment of keratitis sicca.