Abstract: The invention encompasses isolation, culture and characterization of goblet cells in vitro from mammalian conjuctiva. Goblet cells can be cultured from conjunctiva of such mammals as, e.g., humans, rats, mice, rabbits and the like. In another aspect of the invention, the culture of goblet cells has a concentration of pure goblet cells of 10% or greater. In a further embodiment, the invention comprises an immortalized goblet cell line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjunctival goblet cell proliferation and secretions. The present invention also relates to compositions that can modulate conjunctival goblet cell proliferation and secretions. The present invention also relates to galectins, PDGF, bFGF, and the regulation of goblet cells.

Abstract: The invention encompasses isolation, culture and characterization of goblet cells in vitro from mammalian conjuctiva. Goblet cells can be cultured from conjunctiva of such mammals as, e.g., humans, rats, mice, rabbits and the like. In another aspect of the invention, the culture of goblet cells has a concentration of pure goblet cells of 10% or greater. In a further embodiment, the invention comprises an immortalized goblet cell line.

Abstract: The invention encompasses isolation, culture and characterization of goblet cells in vitro form mammalian conjuctiva. Goblet cells can be cultured from conjunctiva of such mammals as, e.g., humans, rats, mice, rabbits and the like. In another aspect of the invention, the culture of goblet cells has a concentration of pure goblet cells of 10% or greater.

Abstract: The invention encompasses isolation, culture and characterization of goblet cells in vitro form mammalian conjuctiva. Goblet cells can be cultured from conjunctiva of such mammals as, e.g., humans, rats, mice, rabbits and the like. In another aspect of the invention, the culture of goblet cells has a concentration of pure goblet cells of 10% or greater.

Abstract: A method of treating patients suffering from aberrant conjunctival goblet cell mucous secretion associated with a disorder of or injury to the eye is disclosed. The method, which is based on the discovery that conjunctival goblet cell mucous secretion is under the control of the autonomic nervous system, includes administering to an affected eye of a patient a neural system stimulus or inhibitor for sensory, parasympathetic or sympathetic nervous system function. Also disclosed are a therapeutic composition and an article of manufacture including the therapeutic composition useful for carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion. The method involves topically applying a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and/or cyclic nucleotide analogue to the ocular surface. Inhibition of phosphodiesterase and cyclic nucleotide analogues increase cyclic nucleotide levels in lacrimal gland tissue, thereby stimulating tear secretion. The preparation contains a phosphodiesterase inhibitor or a cyclic nucleotide analogue and a vehicle for the phosphodiesterase inhibitor or cyclic nucleotide analogue, and may contain an ophthalmic preservative.

Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion. The method involves topically applying to the ocular surface melanocyte stimulating hormones, and their active precursors, derivatives, and fragments which activate melanotropin receptors of lacrimal gland tissue. The preparation contains a melanocyte stimulating hormone, and a vehicle for a melanocyte stimulating hormone and may also contain an ophthalmic preservative.

Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion. The method involves topically applying a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and/or cyclic nucleotide analogue to the ocular surface. Inhibition of phosphodiesterase and cyclic nucleotide analogues increase cyclic nucleotide levels in lacrimal gland tissue, thereby stimulting tear secretion. The preparation contains a phosphodiesterase inhibitor or a cyclic nucleotide analogue and a vehicle for the phosphodiesterase inhibitor or cyclic nucleotide analogue, and may contain an ophthalmic preservative.

Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion. The method involves topically applying to the ocular surface gastrointestinal hormones and/or biologically active peptides and their precursors, derivatives, and fragments which activate vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors of lacrimal gland tissue. The preparation contains a peptide of hormone that activates the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor such as glucagon or vasoactive intestinal peptide, a vehicle and may also contain an ophthalmic preservative.