title: The human lens epithelium; morphological and ultrastructural changes associated with steroid therapy.
abstract: A distinct disturbance to the structure of the lens epithelium was observed in cataract patients receiving steroid medication. Of those cataract patients receiving steroids, 83% exhibited a reticulated pattern of intercellular clefts compared to 5% in the control group. The reticulated pattern was shown to be due to the presence of gaps between the lateral borders of the epithelial cells by electron microscopy. A significant correlation between steroid therapy and epithelial disruption was demonstrated. The significance of such epithelial disruption to cataract formation is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, St George's Hospital Medical School, London.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Karim
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Jacob
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000009:adverse effects; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects; D002386:Cataract / Q000473:pathology; D002452:Cell Count; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004848:Epithelium / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D001623:Betamethasone; D011239:Prednisolone; D001507:Beclomethasone