[Presence of alpha 5 beta 1 integrin and fibronectin in the anterior subcapsular cataract].
OBJECTIVE
We investigated whether alpha 5 beta 1 integrin and fibronectin were present in myofibroblast-like lens epithelial cells in anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC).


METHODS
Nine anterior capsule specimens were obtained from the patients during cataract surgery and frozen for cryostat sections. Six specimens were anterior capsule obtained from cataract with ASC. As a control, three specimens were obtained from cataract without ASC. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), alpha 5 beta 1 integrin, and fibronectin were detected by immunohistochemical observation.


RESULTS
In all 6 specimens from patients with ASC, the lens epithelial cells around fibrosis tissue included myofibroblast-like lens epithelial cells which were positive for alpha-SMA. alpha 5 beta 1 integrin was detected in these lens epithelial cells. Fibronectin was also detected around these myofibroblast-like lens epithelial cells. Three control specimens showed no immunoreactivity against alpha-SMA, alpha 5 beta 1 integrin, or fibronectin.


CONCLUSIONS
Alpha 5 beta 1 integrin and fibronectin may play an important role in myodifferentiation of lens epithelial cells.
Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinnjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
M
M
Yoshino
D
D
Kurosaka
M
M
Obazawa
F
F
Takayama
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002386:Cataract / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017469:Receptors, Fibronectin / Q000032:analysis*
D005353:Fibronectins; D017469:Receptors, Fibronectin