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

Figure 4

Immunolocalization of α-SMA in pseudophakic rabbit eyes 14 days after cataract surgery. (a) Surrounding type: most of the capsules around the IOL optics are devoid of LECs (arrows). Some posterior capsules are wrinkled without LECs (small arrowheads). Some α-SMA-positive LECs are present on the capsules, and the Soemmering ring has increased in size. The separation between the IOL optic and the Soemmering ring is lost. Part of the Soemmering ring has begun to attach to the IOL optic (large arrowheads). Bar = 200 μm. (b) Restricted type: the differentiation of LECs under the IOL optic has progressed to form the Elschnig pearls type of opacification (arrows). Bar = 200 μm. (c) Higher power view of (b): the differentiated lens fiber cells are recognizable. Bar = 50 μm. (a–c) Sections were stained with 3-3’-diaminobenzidine hydrochloride and counterstained with hematoxylin. Asterisks indicate the IOL optic.

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