Abstract
To test the hypothesis that cell division in the lens epithelium is influenced by mechanical forces exerted on the lens by the zonular fibres, the parasympathetic drugs, atropine, pilocarpine and DFP were applied topically to the eyes of young rabbits. Treatment was repeated at regular intervals throughout periods of 2, 4 and 7 days. Whole-mount preparations of the lens epithelium, or autoradiographs of these preparations, were examined. The aqueous humour from most animals was assayed for potassium, sodium, calcium, chloride and glucose concentrations. Lens epithelia from eyes treated with atropine for 4 and 7 days showed significant increases in mitosis (and in the number of DNA-synthesizing cells) and those from DFP-treated eyes showed significant decreases. The analysis of the aqueous humour indicated that potassium concentration changed significantly whenever the number of mitotic figures did, but no definite correlation was found. The results obtained support the hypothesis, but can by no means be taken as proof.
Published Version
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