Immunolocalization of transforming growth factor-β1 and tenascin in human secondary cataract

Purpose: This study was carried out to investigate the distribution of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and the extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein tenascin in secondary cataract and anterior subcapsular cataract. Methods: Twenty-four pseudophakic human eyes with secondary cataract, obtained at autopsy 1 d to 10 yr (mean 2.4 yr) after cataract surgery, were studied, Additionally, a specimen from an anterior subcapsular cataract was included. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize TGF-beta 1 and tenascin in secondary cataract and in anterior subcapsular cataract. Results: Polyclonal antibody to TGF-beta 1 immunolabelled spindle-shaped cells in the plaques of secondary cataract in all eyes, Instead, the cells present in Soemmering's ring cataract were not labelled, The ECM in the plaques of secondary cataract was immunoreactive for tenascin in all eyes. In anterior subcapsular cataract spindle-shaped cells and ECM showed similar immunoreactivity, Conclusion: Spindle-shaped cells that are immunolabelled with TGF-beta 1 and ECM showing tenascin-like-immunoreactivity are present in secondary cataract and in anterior subcapsular cataract, thus implicating a possible role in secondary cataract.