Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To determine whether alphaA–crystallin is present in transdifferentiated lenses obtained from the Mongolian Gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus Methods: AlphaA–crystallin is the most lens–specific of the crystallins. We have previously reported that forty percent of 44 Mongolian gerbils preadministered transdifferentiation agents prior to lentectomy showed regenerated lenses by routine histology, and none of the control animals showed new lenses. Immunohistochemistry was performed using anti–alphaA crystallin polyclonal antibody serum (StressGen) and Fast Red chromogen following the protocols of the EnVision System (DAKO). Representative sections from each of the 5 groups of transdifferentiation regimens which resulted in regeneration, and from the control group, were tested. Results: AlphaA–crystallin was found to be present in all transdifferentiated lenses tested, and was not present in the control group. Immunohistochemistry technique controls included: secondary antibody alone, primary antibody vs. normal serum, with and without protein block, and with and without alkaline phosphatase block. Conclusions: AlphaA–crystallin, the most lens–specific of the crystallins, is present in transdifferentiated lenses obtained from the Mongolian gerbil, regardless of the transdifferentiation regimen used.