Phagocytosis and fibronectin of cells observed on intraocular lenses.

The phagocytic activity and distribution of fibronectin in the cells adhering to implanted intraocular lenses (IOLs) were studied in rabbits. IOLs were explanted from the posterior chamber 7 days after implantation. Phagocytosis by the cells from the IOLs was studied by electron microscopy after incubation with polystyrene beads. The distribution of fibronectin was examined immunohistochemically using an anti-fibronectin antibody. Many presumed macrophages and giant cells which were thought to be of macrophagic origin were observed on the IOLs. Adherence of the beads to the surface of the cells, phagocytosis of these beads, and fibronectin immunoreactivity were prominent in these presumed macrophages, whereas giant cells displayed a reduction in these activities. These findings suggest that the adherence activities of the presumed macrophages are less after giant cells are formed, reflecting a reduced production of fibronectin.