[Immune reactivity of human lens structures in norm, age-related cortical and secondary opacification]

Using immunohistochemical methods, the immune reactivity of human lens epithelium and fibers to NSE, S-100 protein, Vim, alpha-SMA and EMA was studied in 10 normal persons and in 25 patients with its age-related cortical and secondary cataract. It was demonstrated that in age-related cortical and secondary cataract lens epithelium and fibers became more reactive to antibodies against NSE, S-100 protein and Vim, but showed no immunopositivity to alpha-SMA and EMA. Thus, the data obtained suggest some common pathogenetic mechanisms of age-related cortical and secondary cataract development with the formation of Adamyuk-Elschnig pearls.