Moreover, it was demonstrated that lactoferrin prevents lacrimal gland dysfunction in older mice. A recent report suggested that Reb increased the barrier function and controlled TNF-a-induced barrier disruption via modulating cytokine expression in corneal epithelial cells. Reb may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effect on exocrine glands or mucosal membrane through cytokines or growth factors. Most opthalmologists generally agree with the fact that topically applied eyedrops penetrate into adjacent tissues mainly through the cornea and partially through the conjunctiva. Many cases of vernal keratoconjunctivitis with giant papillary conjunctivitis can be treated using the topical administration of steroids or immunosuppressants,BAY-60-7550 and the giant papillae reduce in size. An epidemiological study accounts for the fact that topically applied eyedrops partially penetrate into the conjunctiva. We believe that it would be reasonable to conclude that rebamipide partially penetrates into the conjunctival papillae and works as an anti-inflammatory agent because the In-Lg is located close to the conjunctiva papillae. In conclusion,BEZ235 we showed here that Reb exerts both anti-inflammatory and mucosal protective functions for effective treatment of ocular lesions that occur in SS. Because the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of topical Reb administration remain unclear, further research is required to establish appropriate treatments for SS. Cell fate decisions and patterning events during development are regulated by cell-cell interactions that are in part mediated by Notch receptors. Trans-membrane receptors of the Notch family can be described as membrane-tethered transcriptional regulators. Indeed, these receptors consist in a ligand-binding ectodomain linked via a trans-membrane domain to an intracel-lular domain that acts as a transcriptional regulator upon its ligand-dependent release from the membrane. A ligand-dependent conformational change in the ectodomain of Notch is thought to result in ectodomain shedding and intra-membrane processing of Notch.