Immunolocalization of hyaluronan and CD44 in quiescent and proliferating human lens epithelial cells

Purpose: To investigate the role of hyaluronan and its receptor CD44 in capsular repair, their localization in opacified human posterior capsules and in lens epithelial cells (LECs) was assayed. Setting: Research laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical College, Japan. Methods: In 8 patients, circular sections of the anterior capsules obtained during cataract surgery, the extracted crystalline lens, and the opacified lens capsules resulting from intraocular lens implantation were examined immunohistochemically to detect hyaluronan or CD44. Results: Both hyaluronan and CD44 were found in the extracellular matrix that accumulated on the inner surface of the capsular bags. In contrast, LECs exhibited immunoreactivity to CD44 but not to hyaluronan. Conclusions: The cell surface antigen CD44 was expressed ubiquitously by LECs. Expression of its ligand hyaluronan by proliferating LECs suggests that this glycosaminoglycan may be important in the development of posterior capsule opacification.