RESUMO
PURPOSE: To compare the prostaglandin E2 receptor subtype 3 (EP3) distribution in the lacrimal glands of normals, non-specific dacryoadenitis, and chronic Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) patients. METHODS: Biopsies from lacrimal glands of four chronic SJS patients with severe dry eye disease, four dacryoadenitis patients, and five fresh body donors were assessed for EP3 expression using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In normal main and accessory lacrimal glands, EP3 is expressed strongly in nuclei and cytoplasm of majority (>75%) of acini with no ductular expression. In dacryoadenitis, EP3 expression was similar to normal glands. However, lacrimal glands from SJS patients (5-20/HPF mononuclear cells) showed a weak and reduced (<10% acini) EP3 expression within acinar cells. The reduction in intensity was more in glands with higher mononuclear cell infiltration (>10/HPF). CONCLUSION: There is downregulation of EP3 expression in the lacrimal glands of SJS patients, whereas EP3 expression is preserved in non-specific lacrimal gland inflammations.