[The change in immunohistochemical localization of basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) around the lens capsule...

It has been reported that basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) accelerates proliferation of mesenchymal cells and epithelial cells of cornea and crystalline lens in vitro. The immunohistochemical localization of b-FGF on guinea pig lens capsule after extracapsular extraction (ECE) of the lens was studied in order to investigate the role of b-FGF on posterior capsular opacification after ECE and neovascularization. On the 12th postoperative day, immunohistochemical staining of b-FGF was recognized along the posterior capsule on the cortical side, but not along the anterior capsule. On non-operated eyes, scanty immunoreactive materials were seen in cells at the germinative center of the equatorial region. More than two months after ECE, almost no immunoreactive staining could be recognized. In this study, immunoreactive staining of b-FGF was recognized along the posterior capsule on cortical side after operation. It has also been reported that b-FGF stimulates proliferation of the lens epithelial cells in vitro. Therefore, it is suggested that b-FGF plays an important role on posterior capsular opacification after cataract formation.