Effects of Calcium on Human Lens Epithelial Cells In Vitro

Purpose: To analyze the effect of calcium on human lens epithelial cells (LECs) in vitro. Methods; Human LECs were obtained from the anterior lens capsule during a cataract operation, and were cultured in minimum essential medium (MEM) containing 12% fetal bovine serum for a week at 37°C, 5% CO 2 The LECs were then isolated with trypsin and placed in culture dishes. To analyze the effects of calcium, the LECs were incubated in MEM with calcium concentrations of 0.2.10, or 20mM. After H&E staining for 72h, the LECs were analyzed with the Scion imaging program. Results: The LECs proliferated rapidly and their shapes were uniform in 2-mM-calcium MEM.The LECs proliferated more slowly and had irregular shapes in MEM with lower and higher concentrations of calcium. Conclusions: Calcium affects both the proliferation and the shape of human LECs in culture. Abnormal (hyper- or hypo-) calcium concentrations in the lens and aqueous humor may change the homeostasis of LECs resulting in cataracts and secondary posterior capsular opacification.