Lens regeneration in New Zealand albino rabbits after endocapsular cataract extraction.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the regenerative capacity of the adult rabbit lens after removal of a Concanavalin A-induced posterior subcapsular cataract.


METHODS
Cataractogenesis was induced by intravitreal injection of Concanavalin A in adult New Zealand albino rabbits. At 7 mo postinjection, the cataracts were removed. Endocapsular lens extraction was performed by phacoemulsification and irrigation/aspiration with Balanced Salt Solution.


RESULTS
Postoperatively, lens regeneration was first noted in the Balanced Salt Solution normal lens group at 3 weeks and the Concanavalin A cataract group at 6 weeks. By the 3-mo postoperative examination, lens regrowth, measured by digital image analysis, filled 74.5% of the capsule bag in the Balanced Salt Solution normal lens group and 46.6% in the Concanavalin A cataract group. In the latter group, less lens material was regenerated and at a slower rate than in eyes with extraction of a normal lens.


CONCLUSIONS
This experimental model is the first to show that lens regeneration can occur after removal of cataracts secondary to inflammation.
Allergen Pharmaceutical, Irvine, CA 92713-9534.
A
A
Gwon
L
L
Gruber
C
C
Mantras
C
C
Cunanan
D000818:Animals; D002386:Cataract / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D005260:Female; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000502:physiology*; D009929:Organ Size; D011817:Rabbits; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*