Accumulation and distribution of sulfated materials in the maturing mouse lens capsule

Lenses of late gestational and postnatal normal-eyed mice were tested for accumulated sulfated materials by using Spicer's high-iron-diamine staining method and also for newly incorporated sulfate autoradiographically following administration of 35SO4 either in vivo or in isolated and organ-cultured lenses. Accumulated and newly incorporated sulfate was observed in all lenses for each age group tested. Discrete regional differences were seen in histochemical staining patterns for sulfate on the lens capsule in specimens of all ages, and distinct laminar zonations were seen in the various regions of the capsule in older specimens. Typically, the anterior and equatorial regions of the capsule demonstrated three histochemically distinct laminar zones while the posterior capsule usually demonstrated two laminar zones. Autoradiographic results indicated that sulfate was indeed being incorporated into these regions, and in the same general pattern as seen with histochemistry. The materials were largely insensitive to testicular hyaluronidase but were preferentially sensitive to nitrous acid digestion, indicating the presence of capsular heparan sulfates. Autoradiographic results from organ-cultured lenses indicated that this tissue itself is a primary source of these materials.