Abstract
Lactoferrin is an antibacterial protein secreted by the acinar cells of the lacrimal glands.(1) This protein: (a) has both bacterocidal and bacteriostatic properties; (b) combines and acts with specific antibodies in tears; and (c) inhibits C3 convertase formation in the classical complement system.(2) Lactoferrin therefore plays an important role in the protective mechanisms of the external eye and may be an anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting the complement pathway.
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© 1994 Springer Science+Business Media New York
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Comerie-Smith, S.E., Nunez, J., Hosmer, M., Farris, R.L. (1994). Tear Lactoferrin Levels and Ocular Bacterial Flora in HIV Positive Patients. In: Sullivan, D.A. (eds) Lacrimal Gland, Tear Film, and Dry Eye Syndromes. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 350. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2417-5_58
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2417-5_58
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