CHANGES OF GLUTATHIONE-PEROXIDASE ACTIVIT Y IN EYE TISSUES OF EMORY MICE IN RELATION TO CATARACT STATUS AND AGE

The relationship between the activity of the antioxidant defense enzym e glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and the degree of cataract (lens opa city) was examined in 14 Emery mice at the age of 2, 7 and 10 months. Significant decreases in specific GSH-PX activity (mU/mg wet tissue) i n the lens as well as in the residual eye tissue were found between 2 and 10 months of age, showing a highly significant correlation of this decrease (r = 0.590, p similar to 0.001) with the increasing degree o f turbidity of the lenses. The results are discussed with regard to th e changes of antioxidant mechanisms during cataractogenesis and aging. The role of the maintenance of an optimal level of GSH-PX and other w ell-known antioxidants (enzymes, vitamins, trace elements including io dide) for a delay of cataractogenesis is pointed out.