Association of eosinophil granule major basic protein with atopic cataract.

PURPOSE: To investigate the mechanism of atopic cataract development, we examined a tissue-destroying major basic protein, derived from eosinophils, in the anterior capsule of cataractous lenses and the aqueous fluid of atopic dermatitis patients.
METHODS: Major basic protein deposition in anterior capsule tissues was evaluated immunohistochemically using anti-major basic protein monoclonal antibody in three consecutive eyes from three atopic cataract patients and three consecutive eyes from three senile cataract patients. Also, major basic protein concentration in aqueous fluid obtained during cataract surgery was measured by radioimmunoassay in 12 consecutive eyes from 11 atopic cataract patients and 15 consecutive eyes from 15 senile cataract patients.
RESULTS: Immunohistochemical investigation demonstrated lens epithelial major basic protein deposition in all three atopic cataracts but not in any of the senile cataracts. Major basic protein was detected in the aqueous fluid by radioimmunoassay in four of the 12 atopic cataract eyes and ranged in concentration from 11 to 70 ng/ml. No major basic protein was detected in the aqueous fluid of the 15 senile cataract eyes.
CONCLUSION: Major basic protein in anterior capsule tissues and in the aqueous fluid of eyes with atopic cataract may be associated with the pathogenesis of atopic cataract.