Experimental intraocular lens implantation in the rabbit eye and in the mouse peritoneal space. Part II: Morphological stages of the macrophage on the implanted lens surface.

Macrophages appearing on implanted intraocular lenses (IOLs) in the rabbit eye and in the mouse peritoneal space were observed using Wolter's implant cytology staining and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In response to the implanted IOL, macrophages in the mouse peritoneal space displayed an activated form with marked ruffles on the surface. They were attached to the IOL with a broad base (sessile macrophage). The macrophages metamorphosed gradually to the flat shape of so-called epithelioid cells with many processes. They showed a tendency to fuse together or become more flat by extending the cytoplasmic lamellipodia and finally disappeared, leaving a thin membrane or a fibrous matrix. Phagocytic activity of macrophages and related cells was also observed. However, those observed on the IOL implanted in the rabbit eye showed less surface structure and appeared to adhere weakly to the IOL.