Deposition of extracellular matrix on intraocular lenses in rabbits: an immunohistochemical and transmission electron microscopic study.
BACKGROUND
We examined by transmission electron microscopy the accumulation of extracellular matrix on intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted experimentally into rabbit eyes, and evaluated the immunolocalization of such extracellular matrix components as collagen types I, III, and IV, and cellular fibronectin on these IOLs.


METHODS
Phacoemulsification and aspiration of the crystalline lens were performed and an IOL was implanted into the capsular bag of each eye of each of 16 adult albino rabbits under general anesthesia. After up to 12 weeks, the animals were killed and the IOLs were removed. Specimens were processed for transmission electron microscopy or for immunohistochemical detection collagen types I, III, and IV, and cellular fibronectin.


RESULTS
Transmission electron microscopy revealed an accumulation of extracellular matrix between the residual anterior lens capsule and the surface of an IOL explanted 4 weeks after surgery. Collagen types I and III and cellular fibronectin were detected immunohistochemically on each IOL in association with cellular deposits. Type IV collagen-immunoreactive matrix was not seen on the optic portion, but was detected on the haptic portion of one of six IOLs examined.


CONCLUSIONS
Each component of the extracellular matrix that is deposited on the IOL supplies scaffolding for the adhesion and proliferation of cells. These components are considered to be produced by cells such as lens epithelial cells and macrophages that adhere to the IOL surface.
Saika
S
S
Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical College, Japan.
Tanaka
S
S
Ohmi
S
S
Minamide
A
A
Ohnishi
Y
Y
Yamanaka
A
A
Ooshima
A
A
Kimura
M
M
D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011817:Rabbits
D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D005353:Fibronectins; D003094:Collagen