[Rat lens epithelial cell damage and cataract formation induced by immunological response to bovine lens membrane protein].

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation of cataractogenesis and immune mechanisms, we investigated the rat lens morphologically and immunologically.
Methods and Results: Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Group A was immunized with bovine-lens membrane protein (B-LMP) and adjuvant, Group B was immunized with adjuvant only, and Group C was not given any treatment as a control. Titer levels of anti-B-LMP antibody and anti-Rat-LMP antibody were elevated and posterior subcapsular cataract was developed in Group A. In flat preparations, a noncellular part in the lens epithelium was observed in all members of Group A. In this noncellular part, a lens capsule protruding into the lens epithelial cell layer was observed by light microscopy.
Conclusion: These data suggest that lens epithelial cells may be damaged by immune response, causing the development of cataract.