| Objective:1. To investigate the differential distribution and expression of AQP0andAQP1in the lenses of normal eyes and age-related cataract.To explore itseffect on pathogenesis of age-related cataract.2. To observe the ultrastructural changes of the lens of age-related cataract,and explore the pathogenesis of age-related cataract.Methods:1. Samples were divided into two groups. Experimental group:17samples ofthe lens anterior capsule and nucleus of age-related cataract were collectedby small incision nonphacoemulsification cataract extraction. Control group:6samples of normal lens were collected from the donor of corneal transplant.The expression of AQP1and AQP0in the lens were detected byimmunohistochemistry and western blot.2.3samples of normal lens and5samples of lens anterior capsule andnucleus of age-related cataract were observed and compared by Philips-208type Transmission electron microscopy（TEM） and JSM-6380LV typeScanning electron microscopy（SEM）Results:1. AQP1mainly expressed in the lens epithelial cells while AQP0in the fibercells of the lens cortex and nucleus. The immunohistochemistry revealed thatthe expression of AQP1in experimental group decreased （t=-4.508,P<0.01）compare with control group, so did AQP0（t=-3.291,P<0.01）. Western blotdetection showed that the expression of AQP1in experimental group decreased （t=-7.492,P<0.05） compare with control group, so did AQP0（t=-9.570,P<0.01）.2. TEM showed that compared with control group, LECs of age-related cataracthad a large number of irregular shape nuclear, chromatin condensation andswollen mitochondria and other organelles in cytoplasm; The boundary ofsome lens fiber cells of age-related cataract was blurred, dissolution andnecrosis was seen obviously. SEM showed that the lens cortex of age-relatedcataract lost lubricity, the surface of fiber cells of the nucleus was deformeddue to compression, changes of connection between the fiber cells was found.Conclusions:1.AQP1and AQP0distribute in different sites of lens. Decreasedexpression of AQP1and AQP0in age-related cataract suggests that they mayplay critical roles in the pathogenesis of age-related cataract.2.The pathologic ultrastructural changes of the epithelial cells and fiber cells ofthe cortex and nucleus in lens may be one of the important causes ofage-related cataract. |
