Inhibition of selenite cataract by S-diethylsuccinyl glutathione isopropylester

Purpose. Previous studies(1) have demonstrated that glutathione derivatives can partially prevent loss of hepatic glutathione levels, in vivo, during periods of oxidative stress. Since cataracts in animal model systems and in humans are thought to be the direct result of oxidative insult, the follow ing study tested the possibility that treatment with these glutathione anal ogues may affect the progression of lens opacification. Methods. Glutathione esters were tested for their ability to inhibit the se lenite-induced cataract in rats. Results. The S-alkyl glutathione ester Et2Sc-GS-iPr, but not a similar glut athione derivative S-succinyl glutathione (Sc-GS), at 0.5 mmoles/kg body we ight, had anti-cataract activity in the selenite-induced cataract of rats. Analysis of lenses from treated and untreated animals demonstrated that Et2 Sc-GS-iPr partially prevented the loss of reduced glutathione levels. Conclusions. The results demonstrate for the first time that an S-alkylated glutathione ester has anti-cataractogenic potential in the selenite-treate d rat, and suggest possible mechanisms involving glutathione in the prevent ion of this lens opacification.