Expression of P53 during lens epithelial cell apoptosis induced by ultraviolet

Summary The apoptosis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) induced by ultraviolet and the expression of P53 were investigated. Wistar rats received 100 mW/m² ultraviolet irradiation (UVR) (λ=280 nm-315 nm) for 15 min. One, 6, 24 h after irradiation the lens capsules were dissected. The percentages of apoptotic cells were evaluated by the TdT-dUTP terminal nick-end labeling (TUNED technique and the expression of P53 was detected by using immunohistochemical assay. The results showed that the percentages of TUNEL-positive nuclei at 24 h after irradiation was significantly higher than in the control group and those 1 h. 6 h after irradiation. The percentages of P53-positive cells at 6 h, 24 h after irradiation were significantly higher than in the control group and those 1 h after irradiation. It was concluded that UVR could induce the apoptosis of lens epithelial cell. The expression of P53 might be responsible for the apoptosis of lens epithelial cells.