Lens epithelial cell proliferation, migration, and metaplasia following capsulorhexis.
OBJECTIVE
To study the behaviour of residual lens epithelial cells after capsulorhexis and expression of material from the isolated lens.


METHODS
Human and bovine lens capsules were isolated, sterile non-toxic silicone rings inserted, and the preparations placed in organ culture for up to 12 weeks. Cell coverage of the posterior lens capsule was recorded and the capsules were examined, both pre- and post-coverage, for (a) proliferative activity and (b) cytoskeletal components.


RESULTS
After a lag period outgrowth was observed across the posterior capsule. The rate of cell coverage was dependent upon both species and the presence or absence of serum. The proliferative activity of the cells was greatest at or near the leading edge and decreased once covered. Wrinkles became visible in the posterior capsule during the late stages of precoverage and increased in both number and complexity. All cells on both the human and bovine posterior capsules contained F-actin and vimentin and the majority were immunolabelled for alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA).


CONCLUSIONS
This model exhibits many of the in vivo characteristics of the lens capsule after extracapsular surgery and may prove useful in further elucidating the cellular mechanisms of posterior capsule opacification.
Saxby
L
L
University Department of Ophthalmology, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.
Rosen
E
E
Boulton
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D019923:Capsulorhexis; D002417:Cattle; D002455:Cell Division; D002465:Cell Movement; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008679:Metaplasia; D008875:Middle Aged; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D011184:Postoperative Period
D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins