Extracellular matrix production of lens epithelial cells

Purpose: To examine extracellular matrix (ECM) production of lens epithelial cells (LECS) and their regulation by cytokines, Setting; 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 beta (2) (TGF-beta (2)). 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-beta (2). The expression of type IV collagen at the mRNA level was upregulated by TNF-alpha and TGF-beta (2). 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. J Cataract Refract Surg 2001; 27: 1303- 7 309 0 200 7 ASCRS and ESCRS.