THE INHIBITORY EFFECT OF BENZODIAZEPINE DERIVATIVES ON THE BOVINE LENS ALDOSE REDUCTASE ENZYME

The aldose reductase enzyme, involved in the sorbitol pathway which is an important mechanism in regulation of mammalian glucose metabolism, has been known to play a significant role in the initiation of diabet ic complications. Numerous chemical substances have been prepared in o rder to improve the pharmacological profile of inhibition of aldose re ductase enzyme. In this study, aldose reductase inhibitory activities of several benzodiazepine derivatives were investigated. The enzyme wa s obtained from bovine lenses via the ammonium sulphate-protein cut me thod with several steps. It was found that tetrazepam had a significan t inhibitor potency among the other benzodiazepine derivatives showing very slight inhibitor activities that are indicated in terms of perce nt inhibitor potency at 10(-4) M concentration.