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Cell types of secondary cataract: an immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies to cytoskeletal elements and macrophages

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Abstract

• Background: The study was carried out to identify cell types of secondary cataract after extracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of an intraocular lens. • Methods: Twenty-five formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded pseudophakic human eyes with secondary cataract, obtained at autopsy, were studied and compared to a specimen from an anterior subcapsular cataract with a panel of six monoclonal antibodies (MAbs, to vimentin, cytokeratin (CK) 8 and 18, desmin, α-smooth muscle actin, and the CD68 epitope of macrophages by the avidin-biotinylated peroxidase complex (ABC) method. • Results: MAb Vim 3B4 to vimentin immunolabeled spindle-shaped cells in 16 of 17 central plaques of secondary cataract as well as cells in all 16 Soemmering's ring cataracts. Spindle-shaped cells reacted with MAb CAM 5.2 to CK 8 in 13 of 18 eyes, but only one specimen was labeled with MAb CY-90 to CK 18. No immunoreaction was seen with MAb D33 to desmin, whereas MAb 1A4 to α-smooth muscle actin immunolabeled spindle-shaped cells in 15 of 18 plaques of secondary cataract. Macrophages were seen with MAb PG-M1 in 13 of 19 secondary cataracts. In the anterior subcapsular cataract, spindle-shaped cells under a wrinkled but otherwise intact capsule reacted with MAb Vim 3B4 to vimentin, MAb CAM 5.2 to CK 8, and MAb 1A4 to α-smooth muscle actin. •Conclusion: Spindle-shaped cells in secondary and anterior subcapsular cataracts react with antibodies to vimentin, CK 8 and α-smooth muscle actin, suggesting them to be metaplastic epithelial cells that derive from the lens epithelium. α-Smooth muscle actin persists in them at least 10 years postoperatively, but CK 8 starts to disappear after 3 years. Macrophages are one possible modulator of this transdifferentiation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 4 C, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland

    Marita Uusitalo & Tero Kivelä

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  1. Marita Uusitalo
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  2. Tero Kivelä
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The authors have no financial interest in any product or process mentioned herein.

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Uusitalo, M., Kivelä, T. Cell types of secondary cataract: an immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies to cytoskeletal elements and macrophages. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 235, 506–511 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00947008

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00947008

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