[The ultrastructure of human and mouse cataractous lens epithelial cell apoptosis].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the relation between human senile cataract, mouse congenital cataract and lens epithelial cell apoptosis.

METHODS

Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the apoptotic morphology of the lens epithelial cells in 4 cases with senile cataract and in 2 mice with congenital cataract. The comparisons were made between the cataractous and normal transparent lens epithelial cells in human being and mice.

RESULTS

The apoptotic cells were found in senile cataract and mouse congenital cataract lens epithelial cells, while in all control lens epithelial cells they were few.

CONCLUSION

Lens epithelial cells apoptosis is related to senile cataract and mouse congenital cataract formation.