Properties of lens epithelial cells in albino rabbits--morphological alteration and its influence

We studied changes of epithelial cells in injured lens, after extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) in culture solution and in vivo changes in epithelial cells after phacoemulsification and aspiration (PEA) using light and electron microscopy. The epithelial cells at the injured site of the lens were transformed into spindle cells indicating healing and contraction of the lesion. In the culture solution, epithelial cells which had been seen only on the side of the anterior capsule extended and proliferated over the equatorial zone to the posterior capsule covering the whole posterior capsule 6 weeks after an ECCE. Spindle cells were seen in the region with folds in the posterior capsule. In vivo, formation of Soemmering's ring was observed in the equatorial zone after PEA suggesting regeneration of the lens in the electron microscopic aspect. At the edge of the anterior capsule, appearance of spindle cells formation of folds in the anterior and posterior capsules at this site as well as formation of membrane similar to the lens capsule could be seen, and this phenomenon resembled the healing process of the injured lens. Observation of the spindle cells at the cut edge of the anterior capsule showed cells which were extending psudopodia into collagen and they appeared to be engaged in ameboid movement. We considered that this ameboid movement would trigger off contraction of the wound and formation of folds at the cut edge of the anterior capsule.