Denucleation Process of the Lens

Abstract

Denucleating process of the mouse lens has been studied electron microscopically. The first step appears as a transformation in which the appearance of the nucleus becomes more like that of the cytoplasm. When the appearance of both nuclear and cytoplasmic substances become indistinguishable, the nuclear membrane disappears without disturbing the size or other structure of the cell. Extrusion of the nuclear substance or degeneration of the nucleus are not observed during the denucleation. Fragments of nucleolus remain within the denucleated lens for a long period of time. Disturbance of the denucleation process may cause certain cataractous changes of the lens.