PURPOSE: To determine whether apoptosis or @entity39 of lens epithelial cells occurs after lens extraction. METHODS: Lens extraction was performed on 24 @entity95 eyes. The authors then performed terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated @entity1977 nick end labeling (TUNEL) and transmission electron microscopy on the eyes 1 to 10 days after surgery. RESULTS: The postoperative lens was demarcated into three regions by the adhesion between the incised edge of the anterior capsule and the posterior capsule: the adhesive region, the intracapsular region, and the central portion of the posterior capsule. By day 2, TUNEL-positive cells with morphologic characteristics of @entity39 were detected in the intracapsular region. Beginning on day 5, TUNEL-positive cells with morphologic characteristics of apoptosis and @entity39 were detected in the adhesive region. Apoptotic cell death in this region was detected among the myofibroblast-like cells. Lens epithelial cells that had extended onto the central portion of the posterior capsule began to diminish on day 8 or 9, some of them morphologically demonstrating @entity39 changes. CONCLUSIONS: Apoptosis of lens epithelial cells occurs in the process of wound healing and reepithelialization after lens extraction, leading to secondary @entity231 . If the induction of apoptosis is better understood, protocols might be developed that could prevent reepithelialization through apoptosis, thus delaying or preventing secondary @entity231 .

Apoptotic cell death in XXXX lens after lens extraction.

@entity95 :: ('9986', 'Species') :: ['rabbit'] @entity1977 :: ('CHEBI:17625', 'Chemical') :: ['dUTP'] @entity231 :: ('MESH:D002386', 'Disease') :: ['cataracts', 'cataract'] @entity39 :: ('MESH:D009336', 'Disease') :: ['necrotic', 'necrosis']
@entity95 :: (9986,Species) :: ['rabbit']
