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

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 α2, α3, and α5, and β subunit 2. Results: All of these subunits were found in at least a proportion A-LEC samples as follows: α2 71%, α3 92%, α5 62%, and β2 24%. The human LEC line was immunoreactive for α2 and α3 only. The rabbit lens epithelial cell line was immunoreactive for α5 but there was no staining for α2, α3, or β2. 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.