Histochemical identification of hyaluronan in the rabbit anterior segment during the healing period after extracapsular lens extraction.

Extracapsular lens extractions were performed in rabbits. The eyes were examined at different time intervals after surgery with a histochemical method visualizing hyaluronan. There was positive staining for hyaluronan in the wound region from 2 to 90 days postoperatively. The staining was most intense and widespread between 7 and 14 days after surgery. A hyaluronan staining in the corneal stroma extended from the wound towards the central cornea 4 to 14 days postoperatively. The iris showed increased staining on the second postoperative day, but much less so at the other times studied. Cells on the posterior lens capsule were surrounded by hyaluronan from the seventh postoperative day throughout the observation time up to 90 days postoperatively. It is concluded that hyaluronan reacts during corneal wound healing.