Expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA in plaques of human anterior subcapsular cataracts and membranes of posterior capsule opacification

Purpose. To investigate the correlation between connective tissue growth fa ctor (CTGF) mRNA expression and immunohistochemical characteristics of ante rior subcapsular cataract (ASC) formation as well as posterior capsule opac ification (PCO) development (expression of type I collagen, alpha -smooth m uscle actin and tenascin) under in vivo and under in vitro conditions in hu man and porcine lens epithelial cells. Methods. CTGF mRNA expression was investigated using in situ hybridization and RT-PCR. Expression of type I collagen, alpha -smooth muscle actin and t enascin was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Results. CTGF mRNA was expressed in human cataractous plaques of ASC and hu man PCO membranes, and appeared simultanously with the expression of type I collagen, alpha -smooth muscle actin and tenascin. Conclusion. The predominant expression of CTGF mRNA in human ASC and human PCO membranes suggests a significant role of CTGF in the pathological cours e of these ocular disorders.