Abnormal expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor on lens epithelial cells by dexamethasone: implications for glucocorticoid-induced posterior subcapsular cataract.

We investigated glucocorticoids-induced alteration of bFGF in AqH, FGFR and beta-crystallin in rat lens epithelial cells (LECs). Results. Data showed dexamethasone had no effect on bFGF in AqH, but reduced FGFR1 in LECs. After six months treatment, cells were detected under posterior capsule in 4/12 lenses. In vitro observations revealed a down-regulated FGFR1 or beta-crystallin by dexamethasone. FGFR in LECs may play an important role in formation of glucocorticoid-induced PSC.