Auto-cortex of crystalline lens-induced iris neovascularization

Abstract

Aim: To investigate auto-cortex of crystalline lens induced iris neovascularization (INV).

Methods: Thirty-six eyes of 36 guinea-pigs were included and divided into three groups randomly in this cohort study. Group A: the right lens nucleus was extracted and the remaining cortical lens material was aspirated thoroughly. Group B: the lens was removed and 30µL precipitated lens cortex was injected into the anterior chamber again. Group C: aspirated the lens cortex of the left eyes and inject them into the right anterior chambers about 10µL. Clinical changes were followed by slit-lamp examination and photograph. The eye balls were enucleated at the day of 2, 4, 7, 11, 13, 17 after operation. HE was used to detect the pathological changes.

Group a: INV had not been observed until the end of empirical study. The stromal layer contained thick wall vessels, without expansion. Group B: All eyes developed INV. Postoperative (po) 7 days; the eyes developed intense and extensive INV. The vessels of iris expanded remarkably and neovascularization was observed erupting from it's lateral wall and stretching towards the anterior surface. Po11 days, INV regressed gradually after lens cortex had been absorbed. Group C: Po four (4) days, new blood vessels liking red line were presented on the anterior surface of the iris and they were not obvious.

Conclusion: Anterior chamber inside lens coriaceous can induce iris new blood vessels.

Keywords: crystallins; iris; new vessels.

Figure 1. No iris neovascularization in goup A

A: Po 2d of group A, the cornea and aqueous humor were clear. There is not lens cortex in the anterior chamber; B: Po 7d of group A, the posterior capsule of lens was not very transparent. INV was not observed and the vessels of iris did not expand; C: Po 11d of group A, the corneas and aqueous humor kept clear. The posterior capsule of lens appeared to be opacity slightly and there was no INV in the iris

Figure 2. Extensive iris neovascularization induced by auto-cortex of crystalline lens in group B

A: Po 7d of group B, the cornea and the aqueous humor were clear. Tiny redline-like blood vessels (white arrow) were observed in the iris; B: Po 7d of group B, there were larger pieces of cortex (black arrow) in the anterior chamber. Intense and extensive grossus vessels and thread-like small vessels were observed on the surface of iris. The dense iris neovascularization (white arrow) were located on the anterior surface of iris

Figure 3. Scattered iris neovascularization in group C

A: Po 4d of group C, there were pieces of lens cortex in the anterior chamber, a few of iris neovascularization (white arrow) occurred on the papillary edge; B: Po 7d of group C, there were some scattered tiny redline-like neovascularization (white arrow) on the anterior surface of iris.

Figure 4. Iris neovascularization in HE stain

A: Po 7d of group B, dilated vessels (white arrow) were observed in the iris, and tiny iris neovascularization erupted from its wall and stretched towards the surface of iris (black arrow); B: Po 7d of group C, scattered neovascularization (black arrow) were observed on the anterior surface of iris