STUDIES ON EMORY MOUSE CATARACTS - OXIDATIVE FACTORS

Emory mouse cataracts were analyzed for amino acids, protein carbonyls and fatty acids. The tissue membrane integrity was assessed by studyi ng chromium-51 efflux. An effect of vitamin E-free diet on cataract pr ogression wa also studied. Chromium leakage was faster from the catara ctous lenses, indicating a generalized membrane damage. This was also apparent from the loss of amino acids. The damage involves oxidation o f proteins, as well as of lipids. Protein oxidation was apparent by a hydrazone formation with 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine. The lipid oxidat ion was apparent from a decrease in oleic acid and appearance of the c orresponding ketoacids. Lipid oxidation was also apparent by an attenu ating effect of vitamin E.