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Human anterior lens capsule epithelial cell contractions
Author(s) -
ANDJELIC S,
ZUPAN?I? G,
PEROVšEK D,
HAWLINA M
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2009.210.x
Subject(s) - contraction (grammar) , capsule , agonist , biophysics , intracellular , basement membrane , lens (geology) , chemistry , cell , acetylcholine , microbiology and biotechnology , anatomy , biology , endocrinology , biochemistry , receptor , paleontology , botany
Purpose The transport over the lens epithelial cell layer is governed by different morphological parameters and junctions whose defects can lead to cataract formation. The cells are cuboidal, tightly packed with very little intercellular space. We studied their contractions due to agonist application. Methods Entire anterior human capsules obtained from cataract surgery, with the cells still attached, were used. A good part of the cell contacts, including contacts to the basement membrane were preserved. To measure the [Ca2+]i and to monitor the cell morphology, the capsules were stained with the fluorescent dye Fura2. We applied either the agonist acetylcholine (ACh) solution or the physiological saline alone, to test whether the agonist is necessary to induce the cell contraction. Results Lens epithelial cells in 23% (12/51) of the capsules contracted substantially upon ACh application and responded with an increase in [Ca2+]i. However, contraction also occurred, with very small increases in [Ca2+]i, when, as a control, physiological solution was applied in the same way, suggesting the possibility that the contraction can be induced mechanically. Conclusion The major role of lens capsule epithelial cells is to be a regulating “barrier” between the aqueous humour and the lens fibre cells. The appearance of holes in this barrier, due to cell contraction, in response to not only agonist application but also presumably mechanical stimuli, compromises their basic function and may be a part of a pathophysiological mechanism associated with cataract formation.