Purpose. Recently, we reported that topical administration of 2-carbox
yethyl germanium sesquioxide (Ge-132) concurrently with 50% galactose
feeding delayed the establishment of mature cataracts and reduced adva
nce glycation product, This study was to determine the effect of pretr
eatment of Ge-132 on galactose associated morphological changes and Na
+-K+-ATPase activity. Methods. Young Sprague Dawley rats received topi
cal eye drops four times a day of either saline or Ge-132 seven days p
rior to the 50% galactose diet and during galactose feeding, At desire
d intervals the lenses were extracted, photographed and processed for
either light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy or the determina
tion of Na+-K+-ATPase activity. Results. In Ge-132 pretreated lenses a
s compared to saline pretreated lenses the following results were obse
rved: (a) the galactose-induced morphological alterations in the major
ity of lenses were delayed and (b) Na+-K+-ATPase activity was protecte
d. Conclusions. Our previous and current studies show that in addition
to osmotic stress post-translational protein modification, such as gl
ycation, including enzymes may play a role in initiating changes that
lead to cataract development. The inhibition of protein glycation by a
ntiglycating compounds, such as Ge-132, delays sugar cataract formatio
n. Currently, we are investigating the status of protein glycation and
advanced glycation end products following pretreatment with Ge-132 an
d the role of Ge-132 on the activities of enzymes such as aldose reduc
tase and Na+-K+-ATPase.