Changes in rabbit lacrimal gland fluid osmolarity with flow rate.

To determine whether the osmolarity of rabbit lacrimal gland fluid (LGF) changes with flow rate, microvolumes (approximately 0.2 microliters) were collected directly from he cannulated glandular excretory duct of anesthetized rabbits. Low flow rates were obtained by collection of LGF 5 min after instillation of proparacaine: higher flow rates were obtained by stimulation with 0.45, 0.9, 3.8, or 15 micrograms of acetylcholine administered by local arterial injection. At low flow rates (less than 0.11 microliters/min), LGF osmolarity was 334 +/- 4 mOsm/L (n = 19). As flow rate increased to maximal rates (13.0 to 19.1 microliters/min), LGF osmolarity decreased to a value of 299 +/- 2 mOsm/L (n = 7). In keratoconjunctivitis sicca, increase in LGF osmolarity, as well as tear film evaporation, may contribute to elevated tear film osmolarity.