This study aimed to investigate the capsule-epithelium-fibre unit ultrastructure of the human lens, particularly the interfaces of the epithelium with the capsule and the epithelium with the fibre cell. A total of 12 lenses from donor humans who died of trauma without systemic and ocular diseases were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), combined with immunofluorescence staining for localising certain specific proteins. Some of the results were further studied in the anterior lens capsules of cataract patients. Our results revealed capsule protrusion into the epithelium in some areas and potential processing of capsule components. The young elongating fibre cells directly adjacent to the epithelium with a high stain density strongly expressed CD24. Numerous extracellular vesicles could be seen in the space between human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) and between HLECs and the capsule. Mitophagy and autophagy were also observed in the HLECs. Our research may be beneficial in better understanding the function of the human lens.
Keywords: capsule-epithelium-fibre unit; epithelium-fibre interface; human lens; transmission electron microscopy; ultrastructure.
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