The overall goal of this project is a better understanding of the ultrastructural and chemical changes which characterize the development of human cataracts. The cause of fiber cell destruction, during the development of human cataracts, is a main aspect of the proposal. This would include an ultrastructural analysis of 1) the process of lens fiber cell disintegrated seen with S.E.M., T.E.M. and freeze-etch E.M., and 2) the formation of intercellular spaces, and the analysis of their contents with energy dispersive X-ray analysis. A major effort will be made to correlate specific ultrastructural and chemical findings with the presence of specific lens opacities, classified according to established Cooperative Cataract Research Group procedures (C.C.R.G., NEI.) A systematic study of the normal human lens, obtained primarily through the Michigan Eye Bank located within the Kresge Eye Institute, is proposed as a basis of comparison with the cataractous lens. This would include a study of junctional complexes (gap junctions and tight junctions) as seen primarily with freeze-etch E.M. and other surface structural characteristics (S.E.M. and T.E.M.) at specific, defined locations within the lens. The sulfur-phosphorus data (and more recently the data on calcium localization) obtained in this laboratory indicate that energy-dispersive X-ray analysis can be an effective tool in elemental analysis within specific structures of the lens. Correlation of the location of the phosphorus-containing material with ultrastructural characteristics, and the presence of opacities as seen in the C.C.R.G. light microscope stereophotographs may indicate, for example, whether the phosphorus-containing material is associated with plasma membrane fragments, and how it relates to lens opacities. Attempts will be made to determine the cause of calcium-containing opacities in the human lens from existing medical records and patient interviews. Also by means of quick-freeze preparation of tissues it is planned to extend our studies on elemental analysis to the diffusible ions, sodium, potassium and chloride in the normal and cataractous lens.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EY005021-03
Application #
3259678
Study Section
Vision Research and Training Committee (VSN)
Project Start
1984-03-01
Project End
1989-02-28
Budget Start
1986-03-01
Budget End
1987-02-28
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Wayne State University
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Detroit
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48202