title: Human anterior lens capsule epithelial cells contraction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Human anterior lens epithelial cells, attached to surgically isolated capsules, were found to contract upon stimulation. The purpose of this study was to characterize these contractions, which create gaps between cells, and to assess the underlying physiological mechanisms and their possible association with cataract formation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Lens capsules obtained during cataract surgery were stained with fluorescent dye Fura-2. Its fluorescence, upon excitation at 360 and 380 nm, was imaged to monitor changes in cell morphology and cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+) ](i) ) in response to pharmacological stimulation by acetylcholine (ACh) and to mechanical stimulation by flow of saline or direct contact.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Epithelial cells contracted in approximately a third of preparations when stimulated by either ACh application, fluid movement or direct mechanical contact. Contractions started either before or at best simultaneously with the rise in [Ca(2+) ](i). Contractions also occurred when there was hardly any change in [Ca(2+) ](i) upon application of physiological saline alone. The probability of contractions occurring did not differ significantly among cortical, nuclear and combined cortical + nuclear cataract.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides the evidence that contractions of the anterior lens epithelial cells take place in significant portion of human lens anterior capsule postoperative preparations after non-specific stimulation. Contractions are at least partially independent of changes in [Ca(2+) ](i). They can be mechanically induced, are localized and reversible and have a fast response and did not differ among different types of cataract. Physiological and clinical significance of this phenomenon remains to be elucidated.
authors.affiliation: Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors.forename: Sofija
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Andjelić
authors.forename: Gregor
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zupančič
authors.forename: Darko
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Perovšek
authors.forename: Marko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hawlina
mesh_terms: D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D057866:Anterior Capsule of the Lens / Q000166:cytology*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D048430:Cell Shape / Q000502:physiology; D048429:Cell Size; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D016257:Fura-2 / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014019:Tissue Donors
chemical_list: D000109:Acetylcholine; D002118:Calcium; D016257:Fura-2