[Cell density and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the lens epithelium of children and aging patients with cataract].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the cell density and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the lens epithelium of children and aging patients with cataract.

METHODS

The lens epithelial cells (LECs) of the central area were examined in two groups, children (less than 12 years old) and senile persons (51 - 80 years old). The densities of LECs in the two groups were calculated with samples stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the PCNA was tested immunohistochemically. The integral optical density (IOD) of PCNA expression was measured through a medical color image analysis system.

RESULTS

The densities of LECs in children and senile persons were 5,020.25 +/- 246.01 cells/mm(2) and 4,340.00 +/- 240.95 cells/mm(2) (P < 0.05), the IODs were 2.89 +/- 0.57 and 2.13 +/- 0.63 (P < 0.05) respectively.

CONCLUSION

The LEC counting and IOD values in children eyes are significantly higher than that of senile persons, suggesting that they be one of the important factors in the formation of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) or after cataract in children eyes.