The Content and Structural Characteristics of the Collagenous Protein of Rabbit Lens Capsules at Different Ages.

A collagenous protein containing 15 to 19 per cent (12.9 to 16.7 per cent re&idues) hydroxyproline is found in capsules of rabbit lenses. The amount of this protein increases from about 0.6 to about 5 per cent by wet weight between the ages of 4 weeks and 1 year. The capsule contains also sialofucoglycoproteins and an acid mucopolysaccharide. The amount of the two carbohydrate polymers increases between 4 weeks and 3 months of age, but later in contradistinction to collagen either remains constant or decreases. The unusually high content of hydroxyproline in the unorganized collagen of the lens capsule appears to be related to its origin from epithelial elements.