Alloxan induced cataract in a rat

We have measured lipid peroxidation and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in lenses of alloxan injected rats. After 12 weeks alloxan treated rats de veloped lens cataract. Diabetes rats had both lower lens weight and lower l evel of proteins in soluble fraction of lens homogenate. Alloxan treatment is associated with a significant increase of thiobarbituric acid reactive s ubstances and the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. However diabetes decreased the activity of glutathione peroxidase in rat lenses. These results show that alloxan, which changes antioxidant status in rat lenses, may cause complications associated with diabetes.