Immunoelectrophoretic Studies of the Protein Components of Normal Tears

Immunoelectrophoresis of tears with anti-tear as well as more conventional antiserum revealed that tears contain several proteins not present in serum. β2A-Globulin, apparently identical with that of serum, is present, as are ceruloplasmin and oroseromucoid. γ-Globulin was uncommonly found in normal tears. Little or no material immunologically similar to serum albumin was found. Lysozyme, although its presence in all tears has been determined by its ability to lyse bacteria, could not be identified by the immunoelectrophoretic technique. It was observed that mild trauma such as rubbing the eyes causes γ-globulin, serum albumin and transferrin to appear in tears.