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Precapsular layer of the anterior lens capsule in early pseudoexfoliation syndrome

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Abstract

We examined a possible correlation between clinical signs of early pseudoexfoliation (PSX) syndrome related to pigment dispersion and iris stroma atrophy and morphological alterations of the lens capsule. 63 anterior lens capsules (30 PSX suspects, 3 pre-PSX, 10 PSX, 20 controls) were studied by transmission and immuno-electron microscopy (TEM). In 20 PSX suspect and 3 pre-PSX capsulotomy specimens, TEM revealed a precapsular layer (0.1–11 μm in thickness) composed of microfibrils, amorphous material, and granular inclusions. The incidence of this fibrillar layer was significantly higher (p=0.001) in PSX suspect and pre-PSX eyes than in controls (5 positive). Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical similarities of the fibrillar surface network in PSX suspect and typical PSX specimens indicate that the precapsular layer may represent a precursor of PSX. The beginning PSX process in the eye is obviously indicated by certain clinical signs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Augenklinik, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, W-8520, Erlangen, Federal Republic of Germany

    Kazuaki Tetsumoto, Ursula Schlötzer-Schrehardt, Michael Küchle, Susanne Dörfler & Gottfried Otto Helmut Naumann

Authors
  1. Kazuaki Tetsumoto
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  2. Ursula Schlötzer-Schrehardt
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  3. Michael Küchle
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  4. Susanne Dörfler
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  5. Gottfried Otto Helmut Naumann
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Additional information

This study was supported by Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (No. 325/311/023/1) and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Na 55/5-2)

Offprint requests to: U. Schlötzer-Schrehardt

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Tetsumoto, K., Schlötzer-Schrehardt, U., Küchle, M. et al. Precapsular layer of the anterior lens capsule in early pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 230, 252–257 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00176300

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00176300

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