Detection of integrins in human cataract lens epithelial cells and two mammalian lens epithelial cell lines.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the incidence of various integrin subunits in human cataract anterior lens epithelial cells (A-LEC) and in two mammalian LEC lines.


METHODS
Circular sections of anterior capsules with attached LEC were obtained during cataract surgery. Integrin subunits were immunolocalised in these anterior LEC and in a human and rabbit LEC line, using four monoclonal antibodies specific for subunits alpha2, alpha3, and alpha5, and beta subunit 2.


RESULTS
All of these subunits were found in at least a proportion A-LEC samples as follows: alpha2 71%, alpha3 92%, alpha5 62%, and beta2 24%. The human LEC line was immunoreactive for alpha2 and alpha3 only. The rabbit lens epithelial cell line was immunoreactive for alpha5 but there was no staining for alpha2, alpha3, or beta2.


CONCLUSIONS
The A-LEC and mammalian LEC lines showed a similarity in their pattern of integrin expression. As these integrins are receptors for extracellular matrix (ECM) components, they are likely to be associated with the attachment and migration of LECs that precedes capsular opacification. Therefore these cell lines may be useful in the elucidation of mechanisms involved the pathogenesis of capsule opacification.
McLean
S M
SM
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Paisley, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK. stella.mclean@paisley.ac.uk
Mathew
M R K
MR
Kelly
J B
JB
Murray
S B
SB
Bennett
H G B
HG
Webb
L A
LA
Esakowitz
L
L
McLean
J S
JS
D000818:Animals; D018821:CD18 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D002386:Cataract / Q000378:metabolism*; D002460:Cell Line; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D039001:Integrin alpha Chains / Q000032:analysis; D016023:Integrins / Q000032:analysis*; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000737:chemistry*; D011817:Rabbits; D013045:Species Specificity
D018821:CD18 Antigens; D039001:Integrin alpha Chains; D016023:Integrins