Eye Changes in Autoimmune NZB and NZB x NZW Mice

All of the 7- to 11-month-old NZB × NZW F1mice investigated presented ocular changes which, in many respects, are analogous to those associated with Sjogren's syndrome in humans. The lacrimal and the salivary glands showed infiltrations and epimyoepithelial islands; however, lobular architecture was preserved. Superficial erosions of the conjunctival epithelium, thinning of the cornea, and formation of keratin granules in the epithelial cells without cornification were common. Lesions in the anterior chamber, lens, iris, and retina, and a decrease in lacrimation was observed. Many such changes which have not been described in Sjogren's syndrome may be associated with the immunopathological findings in these mice. Enucleation is not warranted in Sjogren's syndrome and therefore histological changes with time are not easily followed in humans.