Abstract
Purpose::
A gas cataract is well known that developing opacification in crystalline lens after fluid-air exchange in vitrectomy. However, the mechanism of gas cataract is still unclear. In this study, a novel experimental gas cataract model using rabbit eye was produced and the histological analysis was performed.
Methods::
Eight week old albino rabbits were prepared and anesthetized. Three ports vitrectomy (PREMIERE, STOLZ) was performed and the vitreous cavity was exchanged into room air (gas treated group). At the same time, control (no treated) group was prepared. The development of opacification was observed with stereoscopic microscope (OMS.75 TOPCON) at 0, 10, 30, 60 and 90 minutes. Each tissue was fixed with Carnoy's fluid at selected time period and was stained with hematoxylin-eosin solution and anti-4HNE(4-hydroxynon-2-enal)immunoglobrin for detecting oxidation. The histological changes in lens were observed with an optical microscope (DX-51, OLYMPUS).
Results::
In macroscopic findings, no significant changes were observed in control group. However, in the gas treated group, the opacification along posterior Y suture was developed on 10 minutes after the vitreous cavity was exchanged into room air. And the developed opacification were stared decrease after 90 minutes. Histological study shows appearances of small particles under the posterior pole of lens in the gas treated cataract group. Anti-4HNE immunostaining showed positive staining at small particles. There were no particles and positive staining of 4HNE in control group.
Conclusions::
The novel experimental gas cataract model was similar with gas cataract in clinical finding. The posterior sub capsular cataract after fluid-air exchange in vitrectomy caused with degradation of lens fiber cells by oxidation.
Keywords: cataract • anterior chamber • clinical laboratory testing