P 219 Distribution of integrins in the rabbit lens epithelium

Purpose : Cell-~11 and cell-subsbatum interactions are mediated through different families of receptors in particular integrins. These cell receptors influence many physiological processes including cellular pmlifemtion and differentiation which are implicated in the secondzuy cataract development. The current study reports the distribution of the integrins expressed at the cell surface in a normal @helium, an @helium derived from postoperative capsular opacification and in a tissue-culh~red rabbit lens @helium. Methods : The distribution of integrins was determined by immunohistochemical study using monoclonal antibodies a t, CI 2, a 5. a 6, a “I R t and t3 4. The noncultured epitbelial cells derived from normal lens frozen sections and also from postoperative capsular opacification frozen sections The cultured lens epithelial cells were isolated and grown in tissue-culture fmm primary culture to third passage, studied without and with confluence in each passage. The expression was also evaluated on Lab-Tek chamber slide uncoated and another coated with collagen I, IV? laminin and fibronwtin. The normal cell surface expression of mtegrins and the modulation with disease (secondary cataract), different passages, confluence and culture chamber slide coated with extracellular matrix proteins were evaluated. Results : The data indicated that the non cultured normal lens epitbelium has a variety of distinct i&grin subunits including CL 1. a 2. a 5, Q 6, a “, R 1 and D 4. Furthermore, we determined that the epithelium cells from postoperative camulat owification showed a variation of this exuression. When the cells w&e placeh in culture, the integrin pattern changed, &cording to the different passages, confluence and chamber slide coated or not. Conclusions : This is the fast report of integrin pattern on lens epithelium cells. The expression of integrin subunits change according to the cells come fmm non-cultured e&helium (normal or pathological) or from different stages of cultured epithelium. The present results suggest that cell-substramm interactions, mediated through integrins, may play a critical role in the development of secondary cataract.