Purpose: To study the effects of Homoharringtonine (Hh) on lens epithelial cells (LEC) in rabbits for the possibility of preventing or treating the development of after cataract.
Methods: Lens epithelial cells from the right eyes of 9 New Zealand Albino rabbits were processed for light microscope and transmission electronic microscope 30 minutes, 3 days and 60 days after phacoemulsification by the use of Hh (20 micrograms/ ml) in balanced salt solution (BSS) as irrigating solution. LEC from the left eyes of the same rabbits served as controls after phacoemulsification by the use of BSS. Clinical examinations were also performed in all eyes before and after the surgery.
Results: Hh as irrigating solution during phacoemulsification had antiproliferative effects on LEC 3 days postoperatively, the Hh treated eyes developed less LEC proliferation than the controls. Though the development of after cataract formation (Soemmering ring) could not be prevented in both Hh treated eyes and controls 60 days after phacoemulsification, the ultrastructural study of LEC from the Hh treated eyes indicated some changes of cytoplasm such as vacuolation of organelles.
Conclusion: It is suggested that increasing the concentration of Hh in irrigating solution for phacoemulsification and prolonging the existence of Hh in aqueous humor may have more effects on the inhibition of the proliferation of LEC. From the results of this preliminary study a pharmacological means of prevention and treatment of after cataract may be indicated.