Expression of ocular surface MUC5AC and MUC19 mucin in castrated female rabbit model of dry eye syndrome treated with acupuncture

Objective To investigate the effect of acupuncture on the expression of MUC5AC and MUC19 in castrated female rabbits model of dry eye symptom after menopause. Methods A total of 45 healthy adult female rabbits were randomly divided into control group,model group and acupuncture group (15 rabbits each group).The ovariectomy surgery was performed in the model group and acupuncture group to produce dry eye models.The acupuncture treatment was performed in the acupuncture group within 2 weeks after the surgery.The Schirmer test,tear film break-up time (BUT),fluorescein staining,rose bengal staining and immunohistochemical staining were performed to test MUC5AC and MUC19 expression before the surgery and 2(w2),3(w3) and 6(w6) weeks after the surgery. Results At w2 and w3 after the castration surgery,Shirmer value,BUT value,fluorescein staining scores and rose bangle staining scores of both model group and acupuncture group were significantly different from those of the control group (P<0.05).At w3,there was a significance difference in Shirmer value and fluorescein staining scores between model group and acupuncture group (P<0.05).At w6,Shirmer value,BUT value,fluorescein staining scores and rose bangle staining scores of model group were significantly different from those in the control group and puncture group (P<0.05).On w3,the expression of MUC5AC and MUC19 in the acupuncture group increased obviously as compared with model group (P<0.05),and the levels of MUC5AC and MUC19 in the two groups were different from those of the control group (P<0.05).Six weeks later,the levels of mucins in the acupuncture group were higher than those of the model group (P<0.05). Conclusion The acupuncture treatment can promote the expression of MUC5AC and MUC19 mucin on ocular surface in rabbits with dry eye symptom after menopause,suggesting its role in the treatment of dry eye symptom.