Article
Expression of human connective-tissue growth-factor (hCTGF) protein in membranes of posterior capsule opacification
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Published: | September 22, 2004 |
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Outline
Text
Objective
Human connective tissue growth factor (hCTGF) appears to play a significant role in mediating fibrosis in several tissues. To gain further understanding of the role of hCTGF in the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) we investigated the location of hCTGF protein.
Methods
hCTGF protein was immunolocalized in paraffin-embedded sections of human eyes with PCO by using a specific antibody.
Results
In all samples, hCTGF protein could be detected in remnants of lens epithelial cells, which were located in the equatorial region of the capsular bag.
Conclusions
As shown in former studies, PCO membranes are composed of the wound healing markers collagen type I and tenascin. Here we can show that this expression is accompanied by the production of hCTGF protein in lens epithelial cells. These data support the hypothesis that hCTGF promotes PCO membrane formation by an autokrine mechanism in remnants of lens epithelial cells.