Lens regeneration in New Zealand albino rabbits after endocapsular cataract extraction

To evaluate the regenerative capacity of the adult rabbit lens after removal of a Concanavalin A-induced posterior subcapsular cataract.

Cataractogenesis was induced by intravitreal injection of Concanavalin A in adult New Zealand albino rabbits. At 7 mo postinjection, the cataracts were removed. Endocapsular lens extraction was performed by phacoemulsification and irrigation/aspiration with Balanced Salt Solution.

Postoperatively, lens regeneration was first noted in the Balanced Salt Solution normal lens group at 3 weeks and the Concanavalin A cataract group at 6 weeks. By the 3-mo postoperative examination, lens regrowth, measured by digital image analysis, filled 74.5% of the capsule bag in the Balanced Salt Solution normal lens group and 46.6% in the Concanavalin A cataract group. In the latter group, less lens material was regenerated and at a slower rate than in eyes with extraction of a normal lens.

This experimental model is the first to show that lens regeneration can occur after removal of cataracts secondary to inflammation.