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  • Oxytocin and Secretin: Dual Neuropeptides for Dry Eye

    By Lynda Seminara
    Selected by Prem S. Subramanian, MD, PhD
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    Journal Highlights

    Frontiers in Ophthalmology
    Published online Aug. 1, 2022

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    Lopez et al. reviewed relevant literature to summarize evidence that oxytocin and secretin, as well as their receptors OXTR and SCTR, could be a founda­tion for novel treatments of dry eye syndrome (DES) and other pain-pro­ducing ocular conditions. Advantages of a potential dual-neuropeptide ther­apy for DES include promotion of tear production, reduction of nociceptive and neuropathic pain, and enhance­ment of anti-inflammatory activity.

    For this review, the authors searched PubMed for English-language publi­cations containing the following key terms: (oxytocin OR secretin) AND (inflammation OR anti-inflammatory OR pain OR nociception OR trigeminal neuralgia OR eye OR dry eye syndrome OR Sjögren syndrome).

    Their summary is as follows:

    Oxytocin and OXTR are found in the lacrimal gland and stimulate the release of tears; both typically are de­pleted in DES. Inflammatory responses caused by bacteria on the eye surface also appear to trigger DES symptoms and pain. The presence of lipopolysac­charides (LPS) in eyes of mice increases the expression of specific inflamma­tory mediators, some of which can be decreased by introducing oxytocin. In vitro studies of anterior pituitary cell cultures support oxytocin’s ability to inhibit LPS and IL-1β stimulation of macrophages, T cells, and B cells, and to reduce IL-6 cytokine production. Oxytocin has a good safety profile and is most effective for treating DES symp­toms when administered topically or intranasally rather than intravenously. Studies in rodents have shown that the presence of secretin influences oxytocin secretion as well as OXTR expression, potentiating the responses. Various nonpeptide analogs of oxytocin also appear to activate OXTR and SCTR responses.

    A growing body of evidence sup­ports the synergism of oxytocin and secretin in achieving ocular surface homeostasis. Given the coexistence of OXTR and SCTR in the human ocular surface, developing treatments that target them may be fundamental for al­leviating the pain associated with DES. Oxytocin analogs, in conjunction with secretin, also warrant investigation as potential remedies for DES and other painful ocular disorders.

    The original article can be found here.