ULTRASTRUCTURE AND LECTIN-BINDING OF EPITHELIAL-CELLS FROM MUTANT CHICKS WITH LENS EPITHELIAL HYPERPLASIA - STUDIES IN CLONAL CELL-CULTURES

Epithelial cells from hyperplastic lenses of a mutant chick (Hy-1) sel ected for high growth rate were dissociated and cultured in vitro and compared with lens epithelial cells from a normal strain (N) in simila r conditions. Ultrastructural analysis of the lentoid bodies showed th at Hy-1 cells have a marked deficiency of gap junctions and numerous m icrovilli. Hy-1 cells also have higher lectin binding capacity than no rmal cells. These results indicate that Hy-1 cells are characterized b y abnormalities in the structure and composition of their cell surface s and it is suggested that these modifications may be related to their abnormal cellular behaviour in cells culture and the hyperproliferati on of the lens epithelium in vivo.