RESUMO
Glutathione, gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthetase (gamma -GCS) and glutathione reductase (GSH-R) activity were determined biochemically in the lens during various stages after subcutaneous administration of sodium selenite in multiple low dosages and single high dosages. The GSH concentration and gamma-GCS and GSH-R activity declined progressively after the selenite administration. The changes observed were discussed in relation to the possible role of selenite interaction with GSH and the enzymes.
Assuntos
Animais , Catarata/induzido quimicamente , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Feminino , Glutamato-Cisteína Ligase/metabolismo , Glutationa/metabolismo , Glutationa Redutase/metabolismo , Cristalino/enzimologia , Masculino , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Selenito de Sódio/toxicidadeRESUMO
PURPOSE: To study the role of vitamin E in preventing cataract formation in experimental animals. METHODS: An experimental model (selenite cataract) was selected for this study. Selenite cataract was produced in rats by subcutaneous administration of sodium selenite. Biochemical and histological changes following induction of selenite cataract in weanling Wistar rats were studied vis-a-vis the role of vitamin E in attenuating or preventing cataractogenesis. RESULTS: Vitamin E was capable of preventing selenite cataractogenesis. Selenite cataract did not develop in 91.6% (11 of 12) and 76.7% (8 of 12) vitamin E treated rats, when administered on the 12th and 10th post partum day respectively. CONCLUSION: The study confirmed that selenite induced cataract in Wistar rats is attenuated by vitamin E.