Changes of Some Biochemical Parameters of the Lens in Galactose-Treated Weaned Rats with and without Vitamin E Therapy

Abstract

We tried to counteract the appearance of galactosemic cataracts in weaned rats by high doses of vitamin E. Rats were fed a diet containing 33% galactose. Cataract development was monitored by biomicroscopy and by several biochemical parameters: K⁺/ Na⁺ ratio, aldose reductase activity, level of protein and non-protein sulfhydryl (SH) groups. Vitamin E was given parenterally at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day. The K⁺/Na⁺ ratio drops after 15 days of galactosemia, while the level of the aldose reductase rises after only 5 days of treatment. The non-protein SH groups lens contents fall from the 5th day of treatment onwards, while protein SH groups are not affected. In short-term experiments vitamin E does not prevent biochemical changes caused by galactosemia. The oxidative insult does not seem to be primarily involved in galactose cataract.