[Immunohistochemical study of apoptosis of lens epithelial cells in human and diabetic rat cataracts].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate apoptosis of lens epithelial cells with immunohistochemical methods.


METHODS
We performed terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays on capsulotomy specimens (68 eyes in 53 patients) from patients who had undergone cataract surgery and an epithelium of diabetic cataracts in rats (144 eyes in 72 rats). The animal model of diabetic cataracts was prepared by injection of streptozotocin in three-week old rats. The rats were also examined using the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical staining method.


RESULTS
Although some TUNEL-positive cells were detected in capsulotomy specimens, we recognized little correlation between its distribution and morphological classification of cataracts. In the animal model of diabetic cataracts, TUNEL-positive cells were seen around the region where epithelial cells had accumulated. In the accumulated region, PCNA labeled cells undergoing DNA synthesis were also detected.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest the possibility that apoptosis occurs in human lens epithelial cells and apoptosis and proliferation may be induced by factors such as hyperglycemia.
Takamura
Y
Y
Department of Ophthalmology, Fukui Medical University, Japan.
Sugimoto
Y
Y
Kubo
E
E
Takahashi
Y
Y
Akagi
Y
Y
D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002386:Cataract / Q000473:pathology*; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000150:complications; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D007907:Lens Nucleus, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley