Extracellular matrix production of lens epithelial cells.
Palavras-chave
Resumo
OBJECTIVE
To examine extracellular matrix (ECM) production of lens epithelial cells (LECs) and their regulation by cytokines.
METHODS
Research Laboratory, International Intraocular Implant Training Center, Tianjin Medical University, People's Republic of China.
METHODS
Bovine LECs were cultured with or without tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and transforming growth factor beta2 (TGF-beta2). Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to detect the expression of ECM. The slides were quantified by computer analysis.
RESULTS
Laminin expression was increased by both TNF-alpha and TGF-beta2. The expression of type IV collagen at the mRNA level was upregulated by TNF-alpha and TGF-beta2. Its protein expression was promoted by only TNF-alpha.
CONCLUSIONS
Type IV collagen and laminin are the main components of the lens capsule. Their production of LECs could be increased by cytokines derived from the aqueous humor or LECs. This may lead to ECM deposition and capsule fibrosis during the development of posterior capsule opacification.
