Collagen types in human posterior capsule opacification.

The fibrous type of human posterior capsule opacification was examined by electron microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy to determine which types of collagen were present. The opacification consisted of lens epithelial cells and a large amount of extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix comprised collagen fibrils and basal lamina-like material. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that collagen types I, III, and IV were present. Types I and III were localized to the collagen fibrils. Type IV was present in the basal lamina of the lens epithelial cells and in the basal lamina-like material of the extracellular matrix.