[Laminin and fibronectin influence growth characteristics of human lens epithelial cells in vitro].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of Laminin (Ln) and Fibronectin (Fn) on human lens epithelial cells (hLECs) in vitro.


METHODS
Twenty-eight pieces of lens anterior capsule were cut into scraps and seeded on dishes coated with Ln, Fn or BSA. The morphological characters of the hLECs were detected with an inverse microscope. The time points when epithelial or mesenchymal cells grew out were recorded. The expressions of Cx43, DeltaNp63 and integrinbeta(1) were demonstrated with indirect immunofluorescent microscopy. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA level of DeltaNp63 and integrinbeta(1).


RESULTS
The hLECs in the Ln and Fn groups grew out much earlier [(2.4 +/- 0.2) d] with more viable cells than the control group, but the emergence of fibroblastic cells in the Fn group [(7.6 +/- 0.4) d] were also earlier than that of the Ln group [(12.7 +/- 0.5) d] (P < 0.05). The positive ratio of Cx43 in the Ln group (23/28) was the highest (P < 0.05), while those of DeltaNp63 (24/28) and integrinbeta(1) (25/28) in the Fn group were also the highest among the three groups (P < 0.05). The analyses of RT-PCR products were in accordance with the immunofluorescent results.


CONCLUSIONS
Ln can promote persistently the proliferation of hLECs primarily cultured in vitro and functions in retaining the homeostasis of cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix. Fn showed strong effects in the differentiation of hLECs in the early stage of the cell culture.
Wang
Xin-Ling
XL
Department of Ophthalmology, the Forth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110005, China. wangxinling.263@eyou.com
Zhang
Jin-Song
JS
Yu
Tao
T
D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007797:Laminin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000166:cytology*
D005353:Fibronectins; D007797:Laminin