Effects of N-acetylcysteine and 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid on lead induced oxidative stress in rat lenses

Lead (Pb) is known to disrupt the pro-oxidant/anti-oxidant balance of tissu es which leads to biochemical and physiological dysfunction. The present st udy investigated the effects of exposure on the redox status of the lenses of Fisher 344 rats and examined whether antioxidant or chelator administrat ion reversed these changes. Animals were given 5 weeks of 2000 ppm Pb expos ure followed by 1 week of either antioxidant, chelator or distilled water a dministration. Glutathione (GSH) and cysteine (CYS) levels decreased in the Pb-exposed group. N-acetylcysteine or 2,3-dimercaptopsuccinic acid (Succim er) supplementation following Pb intoxication resulted in increases in the GSH and CYS levels. Protein bound glutathione (PSSG) and cysteine (PSSC) in creased following Pb exposure. In the Succimer-treated animals, the PSSG de creased significantly. The glutathione disulfide (GSSG) levels remained unc hanged. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a major lipid peroxidation byproduct, increased following Pb exposure and decreased following Succimer treatment . Our results suggest that antioxidant supplementation, as well as chelatio n, following Pb exposure may enhance the reductive status of lenses. (C) 19 98 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.