Physiol Rev Fuel your research with LabChart
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

Physiol. Rev. 77: 21-50, 1997;
0031-9333/97 $15.00
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Mathias, R. T.
Right arrow Articles by Baldo, G. J.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Mathias, R. T.
Right arrow Articles by Baldo, G. J.

Physiological Reviews, Vol 77, 21-50, Copyright © 1997 by American Physiological Society

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Physiological properties of the normal lens

R. T. Mathias, J. L. Rae and G. J. Baldo
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York, Stony Brook, USA.

The lens is an avascular organ suspended between the aqueous and vitreous humors of the eye. The cellular structure is symmetric about an axis passing through its anterior and posterior poles but asymmetric about a plane passing through its equator. Because of its asymmetric structure, the lens has historically been assumed to perform transport between the aqueous and vitreous humors. Indeed, when anterior and posterior surfaces were isolated in an Ussing chamber, a translens current was measured. However, in the eye, the two surfaces are not isolated. The vibrating probe technique showed the current densities at the surface of a free-standing lens were surprisingly large, about an order of magnitude greater than measured in an Ussing chamber, and were not directed across the lens. Rather, they were inward in the region of either anterior or posterior pole and outward at the equator. This circulating current is the most dramatic physiological property of a normal lens. We believe it is essential to maintain clarity; hence, this review focuses on factors likely to drive and direct it. We review properties and spatial distribution of lens Na+/K+ pumps, ion channels, and gap junctions. Based on these data, we propose a model in which the difference in electromotive potential of surface versus interior cell membranes drives the current, whereas the distribution of gap junctions directs the current in the observed pattern. Although this model is clearly too simple, it appears to quantitatively predict observed currents. However, the model also predicts fluid will move in the same pattern as ionic current. We therefore speculate that the physiological role of the current is to create an internal circulatory system for the avascular lens.


This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 J. Biol. Chem.Home page
K. Kalman, K. L. Nemeth-Cahalan, A. Froger, and J. E. Hall
Phosphorylation Determines the Calmodulin-mediated Ca2+ Response and Water Permeability of AQP0
J. Biol. Chem., July 25, 2008; 283(30): 21278 - 21283.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Mol. Biol. CellHome page
B. A. Boswell, P. J. Lein, and L. S. Musil
Cross-Talk between Fibroblast Growth Factor and Bone Morphogenetic Proteins Regulates Gap Junction-mediated Intercellular Communication in Lens Cells
Mol. Biol. Cell, June 1, 2008; 19(6): 2631 - 2641.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
K. R. Heys, M. G. Friedrich, and R. J. W. Truscott
Free and Bound Water in Normal and Cataractous Human Lenses
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., May 1, 2008; 49(5): 1991 - 1997.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
K. F. Webb and P. J. Donaldson
Differentiation-dependent changes in the membrane properties of fiber cells isolated from the rat lens
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, May 1, 2008; 294(5): C1133 - C1145.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
D. Shearer, W. Ens, K. Standing, and G. Valdimarsson
Posttranslational Modifications in Lens Fiber Connexins Identified by Off-Line-HPLC MALDI-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., April 1, 2008; 49(4): 1553 - 1562.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Med. Genet.Home page
A Arora, P J Minogue, X Liu, P K Addison, I Russel-Eggitt, A R Webster, D M Hunt, L Ebihara, E C Beyer, V M Berthoud, et al.
A novel connexin50 mutation associated with congenital nuclear pulverulent cataracts
J. Med. Genet., March 1, 2008; 45(3): 155 - 160.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
L. Li, B. Chang, C. Cheng, D. Chang, N. L. Hawes, C.-h. Xia, and X. Gong
Dense Nuclear Cataract Caused by the {gamma}B-Crystallin S11R Point Mutation
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., January 1, 2008; 49(1): 304 - 309.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Cell Sci.Home page
A. M. DeRosa, C.-H. Xia, X. Gong, and T. W. White
The cataract-inducing S50P mutation in Cx50 dominantly alters the channel gating of wild-type lens connexins
J. Cell Sci., December 1, 2007; 120(23): 4107 - 4116.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Biol. Chem.Home page
Y. Zhou, W. Yang, M. M. Lurtz, Y. Ye, Y. Huang, H.-W. Lee, Y. Chen, C. F. Louis, and J. J. Yang
Identification of the Calmodulin Binding Domain of Connexin 43
J. Biol. Chem., November 30, 2007; 282(48): 35005 - 35017.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Cell Sci.Home page
E. A. Banks, X. S. Yu, Q. Shi, and J. X. Jiang
Promotion of lens epithelial-fiber differentiation by the C-terminus of connexin 45.6 a role independent of gap junction communication
J. Cell Sci., October 15, 2007; 120(20): 3602 - 3612.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
M. M. Lurtz and C. F. Louis
Purinergic Receptor Mediated Regulation of Lens Connexin43
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., September 1, 2007; 48(9): 4177 - 4186.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
K. Wang, C. Cheng, L. Li, H. Liu, Q. Huang, C.-h. Xia, K. Yao, P. Sun, J. Horwitz, and X. Gong
{gamma}D-Crystallin Associated Protein Aggregation and Lens Fiber Cell Denucleation
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., August 1, 2007; 48(8): 3719 - 3728.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
R. Gerometta, A. C. Zamudio, D. P. Escobar, and O. A. Candia
Volume change of the ocular lens during accommodation
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, August 1, 2007; 293(2): C797 - C804.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
L. Li, J. Lim, M. D. Jacobs, J. Kistler, and P. J. Donaldson
Regional Differences in Cystine Accumulation Point to a Sutural Delivery Pathway to the Lens Core
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., March 1, 2007; 48(3): 1253 - 1260.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
A. M. DeRosa, R. Mui, M. Srinivas, and T. W. White
Functional characterization of a naturally occurring cx50 truncation.
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., October 1, 2006; 47(10): 4474 - 4481.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
J. Ruiz-Ederra and A. S. Verkman
Accelerated cataract formation and reduced lens epithelial water permeability in aquaporin-1-deficient mice.
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., September 1, 2006; 47(9): 3960 - 3967.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 DevelopmentHome page
C.-h. Xia, H. Liu, D. Cheung, C. Cheng, E. Wang, X. Du, B. Beutler, W.-K. Lo, and X. Gong
Diverse gap junctions modulate distinct mechanisms for fiber cell formation during lens development and cataractogenesis
Development, May 15, 2006; 133(10): 2033 - 2040.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
K.-S. N. Chee, J. Kistler, and P. J. Donaldson
Roles for KCC Transporters in the Maintenance of Lens Transparency
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., February 1, 2006; 47(2): 673 - 682.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 NEJMHome page
G. J.M. Tangelder, M. Dubbelman, and P. J. Ringens
Sudden Reversible Osmotic Lens Damage ("Sugar Cracks") after Initiation of Metformin
N. Engl. J. Med., December 15, 2005; 353(24): 2621 - 2623.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
G. A. Zampighi, A. M. Planells, D. Lin, and D. Takemoto
Regulation of Lens Cell-to-Cell Communication by Activation of PKC{gamma} and Disassembly of Cx50 Channels
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., September 1, 2005; 46(9): 3247 - 3255.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Physiol. Rev.Home page
C. D. McCaig, A. M. Rajnicek, B. Song, and M. Zhao
Controlling Cell Behavior Electrically: Current Views and Future Potential
Physiol Rev, July 1, 2005; 85(3): 943 - 978.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
K. Varadaraj, S. Kumari, A. Shiels, and R. T. Mathias
Regulation of Aquaporin Water Permeability in the Lens
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., April 1, 2005; 46(4): 1393 - 1402.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Biophys. JHome page
M. Srinivas, J. Kronengold, F. F. Bukauskas, T. A. Bargiello, and V. K. Verselis
Correlative Studies of Gating in Cx46 and Cx50 Hemichannels and Gap Junction Channels
Biophys. J., March 1, 2005; 88(3): 1725 - 1739.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
L. D. Bozulic, W. L. Dean, and N. A. Delamere
The Influence of SRC-Family Tyrosine Kinases on Na,K-ATPase Activity in Lens Epithelium
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., February 1, 2005; 46(2): 618 - 622.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
K. F. Webb, B. R. Merriman-Smith, J. K. Stobie, J. Kistler, and P. J. Donaldson
Cl- Influx into Rat Cortical Lens Fiber Cells Is Mediated by a Cl- Conductance That Is Not ClC-2 or -3
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., December 1, 2004; 45(12): 4400 - 4408.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
L. Bao, F. Sachs, and G. Dahl
Connexins are mechanosensitive
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, November 1, 2004; 287(5): C1389 - C1395.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
F. J. Martinez-Wittinghan, C. Sellitto, T. W. White, R. T. Mathias, D. Paul, and D. A. Goodenough
Lens Gap Junctional Coupling Is Modulated by Connexin Identity and the Locus of Gene Expression
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., October 1, 2004; 45(10): 3629 - 3637.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JGPHome page
J. Gao, X. Sun, F. J. Martinez-Wittinghan, X. Gong, T. W. White, and R. T. Mathias
Connections Between Connexins, Calcium, and Cataracts in the Lens
J. Gen. Physiol., September 27, 2004; 124(4): 289 - 300.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Physiol.Home page
R. McNulty, H. Wang, R. T. Mathias, B. J. Ortwerth, R. J W. Truscott, and S. Bassnett
Regulation of tissue oxygen levels in the mammalian lens
J. Physiol., September 15, 2004; 559(3): 883 - 898.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JGPHome page
K. L. Nemeth-Cahalan, K. Kalman, and J. E. Hall
Molecular Basis of pH and Ca2+ Regulation of Aquaporin Water Permeability
J. Gen. Physiol., April 26, 2004; 123(5): 573 - 580.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Cell Sci.Home page
X. S. Yu and J. X. Jiang
Interaction of major intrinsic protein (aquaporin-0) with fiber connexins in lens development
J. Cell Sci., February 22, 2004; 117(6): 871 - 880.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
M. D. Jacobs, C. Soeller, A. M. G. Sisley, M. B. Cannell, and P. J. Donaldson
Gap Junction Processing and Redistribution Revealed by Quantitative Optical Measurements of Connexin46 Epitopes in the Lens
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., January 1, 2004; 45(1): 191 - 199.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
L. D. Bozulic, W. L. Dean, and N. A. Delamere
The influence of Lyn kinase on Na,K-ATPase in porcine lens epithelium
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, January 1, 2004; 286(1): C90 - C96.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
L. E. Ball, M. Little, M. W. Nowak, D. L. Garland, R. K. Crouch, and K. L. Schey
Water Permeability of C-Terminally Truncated Aquaporin 0 (AQP0 1-243) Observed in the Aging Human Lens
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., November 1, 2003; 44(11): 4820 - 4828.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
S. Tamiya, W. L. Dean, C. A. Paterson, and N. A. Delamere
Regional Distribution of Na,K-ATPase Activity in Porcine Lens Epithelium
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., October 1, 2003; 44(10): 4395 - 4399.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Physiol. Rev.Home page
J. C. SAEZ, V. M. BERTHOUD, M. C. BRANES, A. D. MARTINEZ, and E. C. BEYER
Plasma Membrane Channels Formed by Connexins: Their Regulation and Functions
Physiol Rev, October 1, 2003; 83(4): 1359 - 1400.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
B. R. Merriman-Smith, A. Krushinsky, J. Kistler, and P. J. Donaldson
Expression Patterns for Glucose Transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3 in the Normal Rat Lens and in Models of Diabetic Cataract
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., August 1, 2003; 44(8): 3458 - 3466.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JCBHome page
F. J. Martinez-Wittinghan, C. Sellitto, L. Li, X. Gong, P. R. Brink, R. T. Mathias, and T. W. White
Dominant cataracts result from incongruous mixing of wild-type lens connexins
J. Cell Biol., June 9, 2003; 161(5): 969 - 978.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
D. A. Gerido, C. Sellitto, L. Li, and T. W. White
Genetic Background Influences Cataractogenesis, but Not Lens Growth Deficiency, in Cx50-Knockout Mice
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., June 1, 2003; 44(6): 2669 - 2674.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Mol. Biol. CellHome page
P. A. Nielsen, A. Baruch, V. I. Shestopalov, B. N.G. Giepmans, I. Dunia, E. L. Benedetti, and N. M. Kumar
Lens Connexins {alpha}3Cx46 and {alpha}8Cx50 Interact with Zonula Occludens Protein-1 (ZO-1)
Mol. Biol. Cell, June 1, 2003; 14(6): 2470 - 2481.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
S. Gu, X. S. Yu, X. Yin, and J. X. Jiang
Stimulation of Lens Cell Differentiation by Gap Junction Protein Connexin 45.6
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., May 1, 2003; 44(5): 2103 - 2111.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
E. Wang, M. Zhao, J. V. Forrester, and C. D. McCaig
Electric Fields and MAP Kinase Signaling Can Regulate Early Wound Healing in Lens Epithelium
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., January 1, 2003; 44(1): 244 - 249.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Biophys. JHome page
L. Ebihara, X. Liu, and J. D. Pal
Effect of External Magnesium and Calcium on Human Connexin46 Hemichannels
Biophys. J., January 1, 2003; 84(1): 277 - 286.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
B. R. Merriman-Smith, M. A. Young, M. D. Jacobs, J. Kistler, and P. J. Donaldson
Molecular Identification of P-Glycoprotein: A Role in Lens Circulation?
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., September 1, 2002; 43(9): 3008 - 3015.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
M. C. Okafor, P. Mukhopadhyay, and N. A. Delamere
Studies on Endothelin Release and Na,K Transport in Porcine Lens
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., March 1, 2002; 43(3): 790 - 796.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
O. A. Candia and A. C. Zamudio
Regional distribution of the Na+ and K+ currents around the crystalline lens of rabbit
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, February 1, 2002; 282(2): C252 - C262.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 DevelopmentHome page
P. Rong, X. Wang, I. Niesman, Y. Wu, L. E. Benedetti, I. Dunia, E. Levy, and X. Gong
Disruption of Gja8 ({alpha}8 connexin) in mice leads to microphthalmia associated with retardation of lens growth and lens fiber maturation
Development, January 1, 2002; 129(1): 167 - 174.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
L. V. Virkki, G. J. Cooper, and W. F. Boron
Cloning and functional expression of an MIP (AQP0) homolog from killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) lens
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, December 1, 2001; 281(6): R1994 - R2003.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
T. W. White, C. Sellitto, D. L. Paul, and D. A. Goodenough
Prenatal Lens Development in Connexin43 and Connexin50 Double Knockout Mice
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., November 1, 2001; 42(12): 2916 - 2923.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JCBHome page
A.-C. N. Le and L. S. Musil
A novel role for FGF and extracellular signal-regulated kinase in gap junction-mediated intercellular communication in the lens
J. Cell Biol., July 9, 2001; 154(1): 197 - 216.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PhysiologyHome page
P. Donaldson, J. Kistler, and R. T. Mathias
Molecular Solutions to Mammalian Lens Transparency
Physiology, June 1, 2001; 16(3): 118 - 123.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
X. Gong, X. Wang, J. Han, I. Niesman, Q. Huang, and J. Horwitz
Development of Cataractous Macrophthalmia in Mice Expressing an Active MEK1 in the Lens
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., March 1, 2001; 42(3): 539 - 548.
[Abstract] [Full Text]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
L.-f. Wang, B. N. Christensen, A. Bhatnagar, and S. K. Srivastava
Role of Calcium-Dependent Protease(s) in Globulization of Isolated Rat Lens Cortical Fiber Cells
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., January 1, 2001; 42(1): 194 - 199.
[Abstract] [Full Text]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
M. A. Young, M. J. Tunstall, J. Kistler, and P. J. Donaldson
Blocking Chloride Channels in the Rat Lens: Localized Changes in Tissue Hydration Support the Existence of a Circulating Chloride Flux
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., September 1, 2000; 41(10): 3049 - 3055.
[Abstract] [Full Text]

Home page
 Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
J. D. Pal, X. Liu, D. Mackay, A. Shiels, V. M. Berthoud, E. C. Beyer, and L. Ebihara
Connexin46 mutations linked to congenital cataract show loss of gap junction channel function
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, September 1, 2000; 279(3): C596 - C602.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Biol. Chem.Home page
K. L. Nemeth-Cahalan and J. E. Hall
pH and Calcium Regulate the Water Permeability of Aquaporin 0
J. Biol. Chem., March 15, 2000; 275(10): 6777 - 6782.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
Q. Cheng, D. Lichtstein, P. Russell, and J. S. Zigler Jr
Use of a Lipophilic Cation to Monitor Electrical Membrane Potential in the Intact Rat Lens
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., February 1, 2000; 41(2): 482 - 487.
[Abstract] [Full Text]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
R. Merriman-Smith, P. Donaldson, and J. Kistler
Differential Expression of Facilitative Glucose Transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3 in the Lens
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., December 1, 1999; 40(13): 3224 - 3230.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 IOVSHome page
X. Xu and L. Ebihara
Characterization of a Mouse Cx50 Mutation Associated with the No2 Mouse Cataract
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., July 1, 1999; 40(8): 1844 - 1850.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
J. Fischbarg, F. P. J. Diecke, K. Kuang, B. Yu, F. Kang, P. Iserovich, Y. Li, H. Rosskothen, and J. P. Koniarek
Transport of fluid by lens epithelium
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, March 1, 1999; 276(3): C548 - C557.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USAHome page
X. Gong, G. J. Baldo, N. M. Kumar, N. B. Gilula, and R. T. Mathias
Gap junctional coupling in lenses lacking alpha 3 connexin
PNAS, December 22, 1998; 95(26): 15303 - 15308.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JCBHome page
T. W. White, D. A. Goodenough, and D. L. Paul
Targeted Ablation of Connexin50 in Mice Results in Microphthalmia and Zonular Pulverulent Cataracts
J. Cell Biol., November 2, 1998; 143(3): 815 - 825.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]