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Lens epithelial cell regeneration of a capsule-like structure during postoperative healing in rabbits
S Saika1, T Miyamoto, I Ishida
1Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical College, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan. shizuya@wakayama-med.ac.jp
Purpose:
To determine whether lens epithelial cells (LECs) can regenerate the lens capsule during healing after lens extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.
Setting:
Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical College, Japan.
Methods:
Extracapsular lens extraction and IOL implantation were performed in 5 adult albino rabbits. Lens capsules were examined histologically and immunohistochemically 3 and 5 months later.
Results:
Lens epithelial cells proliferated and regenerated lens fibers within the capsular bag. A multilayered homogenous capsule-like structure was present in the equatorial region. The structures contained type IV collagen but not type I collagen.
Conclusion:
Lens epithelial cells can regenerate lens capsule-like structures during healing after lens extraction. Postoperative LECs without phenotypic conversion to a fibroblastic type may produce this structure.
