SCIENTIFIC REPORT

Detection of integrins in human cataract lens epithelial cells and two mammalian lens epithelial cell lines

S M McLean¹, M R K Mathew², J B Kelly¹, S B Murray³, H G B Bennett³, L A Webb³, L Esakowitz³ and J S McLean¹

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, University of Paisley, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
² Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
³ Department of Ophthalmology, Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Paisley PA2 9PN, UK

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr S M McLean
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Paisley, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK; stella.mclean{at}paisley.ac.uk

Aim: To compare the incidence of various integrin subunits in human cataract anterior lens epithelial cells (A-LEC) and in two mammalian LEC lines.

Methods: Circular sections of anterior capsules with attached LEC were obtained during cataract surgery. Integrin subunits were immunolocalised in these anterior LEC and in a human and rabbit LEC line, using four monoclonal antibodies specific for subunits 2, 3, and 5, and ß subunit 2.

Results: All of these subunits were found in at least a proportion A-LEC samples as follows: 2 71%, 3 92%, 5 62%, and ß2 24%. The human LEC line was immunoreactive for 2 and 3 only. The rabbit lens epithelial cell line was immunoreactive for 5 but there was no staining for 2, 3, or ß2.

Conclusion: The A-LEC and mammalian LEC lines showed a similarity in their pattern of integrin expression. As these integrins are receptors for extracellular matrix (ECM) components, they are likely to be associated with the attachment and migration of LECs that precedes capsular opacification. Therefore these cell lines may be useful in the elucidation of mechanisms involved the pathogenesis of capsule opacification.

Abbreviations: ACO, anterior capsule opacification; A-LEC, anterior lens epithelial cells; DAB, diaminobenzidine tetrachloride; ECM, extracellular matrix; LEC, lens epithelial cells; PBS, phosphate buffered saline; PCO, posterior capsule opacification

Keywords: capsule opacification; integrins; extracellular matrix proteins

CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?