[Human lens epithelial cell culture and its proliferative inhibition in vitro]

The cultures of human lens epithelial cells taken from both normal and cataractous lenses were established in vitro. The biological characteristics and the histological changes of the cells were investigated. 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu), Homoharring tonine (HH) and Harmeline (H) were used for the inhibition of the proliferative cells in the experiment. The results revealed that the in vitro survival capacity of the human lens epithelial cells is limited and the proliferative capacity of the cells is negatively correlated to the donor age. HH and H can effectively inhibit the lens epithelial cell proliferation. Based on the results of this report, performing small and smoothly edged anterior capsulorhexis in extracapsular cataract extraction may possibly decrease the incidence of the post-operative opacification of the posterior capsule.