ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: 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.
Subject(s)
Cataract/metabolism , Fibronectins/analysis , Receptors, Fibronectin/analysis , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Lens, Crystalline/chemistry , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
We investigated the expression of myocilin in the optic nerve head of porcine eyes by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Myocilin was localized in the nucleus, centrosome, glial filament, mitochondria, and some parts of the cell membranes of the astrocytes. Myocilin was also detected at the edge-feet portion of the processes of astrocytes adjacent to the inner limiting membrane and blood vessel wall. The astrocytes are the major cell population in the optic nerve head, contributing to the architecture of the nerve axon and blood vessels. Therefore, myocilin gene mutation and change of myocilin protein are likely to affect the architecture of the optic nerve head and induce various forms of glaucomatous optic nerve damage.
