Time Course of Lens Epithelial Cell Behavior in Rabbit Eyes following Lens Extraction and Implantation of Intraocular Lens

Figure 2

Immunolocalization of α-SMA in pseudophakic rabbit eyes 5 days after cataract surgery. The flattened and multilayered LECs are positive for α-SMA. The specimens could be divided into two groups according to the distribution of these α-SMA-positive LECs around the IOL optics. (a) Surrounding type: LECs positive for α-SMA surround the IOL optic. The anterior and posterior capsules around such LECs appear wrinkled (open arrows) except for the posterior capsule under the IOL optic (arrows). The inner surface of the peripheral anterior and posterior capsule is covered by a monolayer of LECs, with these two surfaces being attached to each other like a zipper (arrowheads), which are separated from the IOL optic by α-SMA-positive LECs around the IOL optic edge. These LECs are negative for α-SMA. Bar = 250 μm. (b) Higher power view of (a): the central posterior capsule under the IOL optic is covered by α-SMA-positive LECs without wrinkling of the capsule. (c) Restricted type: LECs positive for α-SMA are present only around the margin of the anterior capsule (arrow). Other LECs around the IOL optics are negative for α-SMA, with most of them forming a monolayer. The inner surface of the peripheral anterior and posterior capsule is also covered by a monolayer of α-SMA-negative LECs (arrowheads). Bar = 400 μm. (d) Higher power view of (c): the margin of the anterior capsule is covered with α-SMA-positive, flattened LECs (arrows). Bar = 75 μm. (e); higher power view of (c): LECs around the edge of the IOL optic and on the inner surface of the peripheral anterior and posterior capsules are α-SMA-negative (arrowheads). Bar = 75 μm. (f) Restricted type: LECs positive for α-SMA are present around the margin of the anterior capsule and on small areas of the posterior capsule (arrows). Bar = 200 μm. (a–f) Sections were stained with 3-3’-diaminobenzidine hydrochloride and counterstained with hematoxylin. The asterisks indicate the IOL optic.

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