Differentiation and Transdifferentiation of Lens Epithelial Cells in Capsular Bag Model Culture

PURPOSE: To investigate the differentiation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) to lens fiber, and the transdifferentiation of LECs to fibroblast in capsular bag culture. METHODS: After observing the changes of LECs by using phase-contrast microscopy, we observed a cross section of capsular bag by using light microscope (LM) and electron microscope (EM). In addition, the expressions of alpha A-crystallin, a marker of differentiation of LEC to lens fiber, and of alpha-smooth muscle actin, a marker of LEC to fibroblast, were examined during the culture period by western blot. RESULTS: On phase-contrast microscopy, 7 to 14 days after culture, the portion of LECs was gradually elongated and cytoplasm became transparent, so that the differentiation resembled lens fiber. One to 7 days after culture, the portion of LECs changed to spindle shape and the transdifferentiation resembled fibroblast. LM and EM observations indicated that changes of each LEC were lens fiber, and fibroblast. According to Western blot, the expression of alpha A-crystallin was increased by 10 days after culture. The alpha-smooth muscle actin showed an increased expression 10 to 30 days after culture. CONCLUSIONS: From the capsular bag model, we observed the resemblances of the differentiation and transdifferentiation of LECs with lens fiber and fibroblast.

The Analysis of Refractive Errors of AMO Array(R) Multifocal Intraocular Lens with SRK II Formula

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of the SRK II formula for the AMO Array(R) multifocal intraocular lens (Array lens) power calculation according to axial length. In case of refractive error more than +/- 1.0 diopter (D), we compared the accuracy of the SRK II with that of other formulas. METHODS: Participants were 178 eyes (142 patients) received the Array lens. These were divided into 3 subgroups based on axial length. Group I had 21 eyes of short axial length (less than 22.0 mm). Group II had 133 eyes of average axial length (more than 22.0mm below 24.5mm). Group III had 24 eyes of long axial length (more than 24.5mm). The difference between preoperative predicted refractive value and postoperative manifest refractive value were calculated. We compared the accuracy of the SRK II and that of SRK/T, Holladay formulas in case of refractive error more than +/- 1.0D. RESULTS: Three eyes (14.2%) in Group I, 14 eyes (10.5%) in group II and 15 eyes (62.5%) in Group III showed refractive errors more than +/- 1.0D. Fifteen eyes (62.5%) in Group III were significantly reduced to 7 eyes (29.1%) with using SRK/T, Holladay formulas. CONCLUSIONS: SRK II formula had better predictive accuracy in axial length less than 24.5mm with Array lens. But it is better to apply SRK/T or Holladay formulas when axial length is more than 24.5mm.

Inhibitory Effects of Mitomycin-C and 5-Fluorouracil on the Proliferation of Lens Epithelial Cells using Capsular Bag Model

PURPOSE: We investigated the inhibitory effects of mitomycin-C (MMC) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the proliferation of the lens epithelial cells (LECs) depending on time and concentration during the epithelial cell culture using capsular bag model. METHODS: We cultured LECs using capsular bag model after exposure to various time and concentration of MMC and 5-FU. We compared the half coverage time and appearance of posterior capsule by LECs. We examined the proliferative and inhibitory effect on LECs using BrdU immune staining. We observed the morphologic change of LECs on histologic section. RESULTS: Half coverage time of posterior capsule by LEC was 18.2 +/- 3.5 days in control group, whereas 27.5 +/- 3.8 days and 26.8 +/- 4.2 days when treated with 0.2 mg/ml MMC, 50 mg/ml 5-FU for 3 minutes, repectively. The increase of concentration and the exposure time of MMC or 5-FU resulted in the delay of coverage time of posterior capsule by LECs and reduction of BrdU incorporation in the nucleus of proliferating cells. On histologic section, reduction of LECs' multilayering and few cytoplasmic organells were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Using capsular bag model, we found the inhibitory effect of MMC and 5-FU on LECs proliferation depending on the concentration and exposure time. Capsular bag model would be contribute to the study about after-cataract.