EFFECT OF SELECTED ANTICATARACT AGENTS ON OPACIFICATION IN THE SELENITE CATARACT MODEL

A systematic study of the anti-cataract activity of 14 reagents was co nducted using the selenite model. The reagents or their derivatives we re identified from literature reports of their potential effectiveness against cataract formation, The effects of each reagent were measured on the phase separation temperature, T-e, of lens homogenate in vitro , T-e is a direct measure of molecular interactions leading to protein aggregation. The protective effect of a single subcutaneous injection of each reagent [at a dose of 1.5 mmol (kg body weight)(-1)] on lens opacification was evaluated in vivo using rats administered selenite [ at a dose of 19 mu mol (kg body weight)(-1)] to initiate cataract form ation. The strongest effects on lens opacification in vivo were observ ed with reagents having the strongest effect on T,, in vitro. The weak est effects in vivo were observed with the reagents having the weakest effect on T,, in vitro. The results were suggestive of a relationship between the effect of a reagent on T, and protection against cataract formation in vivo. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited