EFFECT OF ASCORBIC-ACID 2-O-ALPHA-GLUCOSIDE ON HYDROCORTISONE-INDUCEDCATARACT FORMATION IN DEVELOPING CHICK-EMBRYOS .2. INFLUENCE ON GLUTATHIONE AND LIPID PEROXIDE CONTENTS IN THE LENS

In developing chick embryos, hydrocortisone induces cataract formation following a decrease In lens glutathione content but an increase in l ipid peroxide content in lens, blood and liver. The preventive effects of ascorbic acid 2-O-alpha-glucoside (AA-2G) on these parameters were compared on cataract formation with those of ascorbic acid (AsA) and ascorbic acid 2-O-phosphate (AA-2P). In these tissues, AA-2G inhibited a decrease in glutathione content and an increase in lipid peroxide c ontent more effectively than either AsA or AA-2P. Various tissues incl uding lens and liver have a-glucosidase activity, strongly suggesting that AsA is enzymatically liberated from AA-2G in these tissues. In su mmary, these results suggest that AA-2G exerts a potent anti-cataract activity via a reduction in oxidative damage through AsA release.