title: Collagen synthesis in lens epithelial cells on capsules containing intraocular lens implants in rabbits: immunolocalization of prolyl 4-hydroxylase.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We evaluated ultrastructurally the presence and distribution of lens epithelial cells and extracellular matrix on the posterior capsule after implantation of a silicone or a polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) intraocular lens (IOL) in rabbits. The immunolocalization of prolyl 4-hydroxylase, an enzyme involved in procollagen synthesis, was also examined in such cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  Anesthetized adult albino rabbits (n = 12) underwent phacoemulsification and aspiration (PEA) of the crystalline lens and implantation of a silicone or a PMMA IOL into the capsular bag of one eye. They were killed by an intravenous overdose of pentobarbital sodium. The lens capsules were processed for transmission electron microscopy and for immunohistochemical detection of the beta-subunit of prolyl 4-hydroxylase.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ultrastructurally, lens epithelial cells on the posterior capsule evidenced an accumulation of collagenous extracellular matrix. Prolyl 4-hydroxylase immunoreactivity was detected in the cytoplasm of cells distributed on the capsules.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lens epithelial cells are involved in the production of collagenous matrix on lens capsules after PEA and implantation of IOL, resulting in a fibrotic process of the lens capsule.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical College, Japan.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saika
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ohmi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ooshima
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kimura
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ohkawa
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Okada
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ohnishi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yamanaka
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000166:cytology* / Q000601:surgery; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011393:Procollagen-Proline Dioxygenase / Q000378:metabolism*; D011817:Rabbits; D012826:Silicone Elastomers
chemical_list: D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D003094:Collagen; D011393:Procollagen-Proline Dioxygenase