Immediate changes in protein-concentration in aqueous humor induced by intracapsular lens extraction in human eyes.

In 71 patients that underwent intracapsular extraction of the cataract it was possible to collect aqueous humor (a.h.) in sufficient quantities at the beginning and at the end of the operation. Using radial immunodiffusion albumin, IgG and alpha-1-antitrypsin were measured in the samples. In secondary a.h. huge variations in the concentrations were apparent. The primary permeability of the blood-aqueous barrier and the time between sampling had no influence on the relative increase of the proteins. No statistically significant difference was found between normotensives and hypertensives and patients with or without myopia of higher degree (over 6 diopters). The relative increase of proteins according to their difference in molecular weight followed the same pattern as described for anterior uveitis. In patients for whom an enzymatic zonulolysis with trypsin was used for the extraction, the relative increase of IgG was significantly smaller than in those that did not receive this treatment (P less than 0.005). The possible sources contributing to the formation of secondary a.h. are discussed.