A NONENZYMATIC METHOD FOR LENS DECAPSULATION WHICH LEAVES THE EPITHELIAL-CELLS ATTACHED TO THE FIBERS

We have developed a method to mechanically decapsulate the lens yet le ave the epithelial cells attached to the fibers. This method uses diva lent ion chelaters to loosen the capsule-epithelial interactions and b umetanide to control cell swelling. Light microscopy, scanning electro n microscopy, and in-vitro fluorescence microscopy demonstrate that th e capsule is removed and the epithelial cells remain adherent to the f ibers when these procedures are used. Ion channel activity and epithel ial gap junction communication remain following decapsulation. This de capsulated lens preparation should prove useful for many kinds of lens studies.