Inhibition of migrating lens epithelial cells by blocking the adhesion molecule integrin: A preliminary report

Purpose: To evaluate the preventive effect of blocking integrins by sustained release of RGD peptide (arginine-glycin-aspartic acid sequence) or a combination of RGD peptide and ethylenediaminotetraacetic acid (EDTA) on lens epithelial cell (LEG) migration. Setting: Nishi Eye Hospital, Jinshikai Medical Foundation, Osaka, Japan. Method: A polylactic-glycolic acid disk containing 4% RGD or a combination of 23% EDTA and 10% RGD was implanted in the capsular bag in five rabbit eyes following standard cataract surgery. The release rate in vitro was 4.4 mu g/h for RGD peptide alone and 7.8 and 7.6 mu g/h for combined EDTA and RGD peptide, respectively. The contralateral eye received a disk without agents as a control. Results: After 1 month, a slight inhibition of LEC migration onto the posterior capsule was observed histopathologically in eyes receiving RGD peptide. A significant inhibition was observed in eyes with combined EDTA and RGD. Conclusions: Application of RGD peptide and EDTA and RGD peptide may inhibit LEC migration by inhibiting the integrins expressed on the LECs. Blocking adhesion molecules expressed on LECs may reduce posterior capsule opacification.