The acutely isolated human anterior lens capsule as a tool to study the physiology of human lens epithelial cells

Purpose The defects in functional characteristics of lens capsule epithelial cells, can lead to the formation of the cataract, especially as cortical cataract. In the germinative zone of the lens the same progenitor cells, which also form the epithelil cells, differentiate also into the fiber cells, which make up the inside of the lens and through their activity also keep the lens clear. When their function is impaired the nuclear cataract ensues. We set out to make a preparation of the human anterior capsule from cataract surgery, which would allow functional studies of the physiology of capsule epithelial cells from patients with different types of cataract, using cell physiological methods. Methods We used the entire anterior capsules, with the cells still attached. Cell contacts were preserved and allowed the communication between the cells. In addition all the contacts to the basement membrane were largely preserved although some parts of the capsule were denuded of the epithelium – possibly due to manipulation during the surgery itself, or to epithelial cell apoptosis. The remaining cells were viable and the capsules usable for experimentation for at least a day when kept in a tissue culture incubator. For experimentation using an inverted microscope, the capsules were weighed down with a harp as the one used for electrophysiological experiments. In a series of pilot experiments the lens epithelial cells were loaded with fura‐2. Results They exhibited normal [Ca2+]i responses to agonist application such as Ach. Conclusion We conclude that this preparation represents a useful tool to study many aspects of the lens epithelial cell physiology.