Tissue plasminogen activator in the lens

Biochemical analyses of normal lenses from monkey, dog and calf eyes revealed significant levels of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). By immunohistochemistry, a positive reaction product for t-PA was seen, in descending order of staining intensity, in the central epithelium, equatorial epithelium, superficial fibers of the anterior cortex, and anterior capsule of both human and monkey lenses. The possible functions of t-PA in the normal 801s include regulation of deformation that occurs in the anterior lens epithelium and fibers during the process of accommodation, and the destructive remodeling of the extracellular matrix including the lens capsule.