[Lanthanum-induced damage to microvilli in cells of the posterior epithelium of the cornea and its trigger mechanism].

Destructions in filament-membranous connections of microvilli of cells of the rabbit corneal posterior epithelium have been investigated after the effect of an ionized form of lanthanum. Rare-earth ions are used as a specific antagonist and as a substituent for calcium on the surface of biopolymeres. Twelve corneas from 6 rabbits of Shinshilla strain at the age of 2 months are used. Lanthanum ions are stated to have selective connections with the luminal part of the plasmolemma and with the membrane of the microvilli in the cells of the corneal posterior epithelium. The changes in the microvilli are accompanied with destruction of the filament-membranous connections producing protrusions and vesiculation of their plasmolemma, disaggregation of microfilaments adjoining the luminal part of the cellular plasmolemma. A suggestion is made on an impostant role of calcium and C++-binding biopolymeres in the mechanism regulating the filament-membranous connections.