histochemical study X-irradiation of the rabbit lens and its treatment

ABSTRACT

Na-K-ATPase and carbonic anhydrase [CA] activities in rabbit lens were studied histochemically at various times after exposure to a single dose of 2000 rads of X-ray, and were compared with their activities in the contralateral control lens. In the X-irradiated lenses, an increase in the Na-K-ATPase and CA activities was observed at the third and fourth weeks after exopsure, respectively. This was followed by a reduction in Na-K ATPase activites at the fourth week, and CA at the Twelfth week [prior to development of opacity at the thirteenth week]. The effect of topical applications of two proposed substances, horseradish peroxidase [HRP] as an antioxidant and honey as an anecdotal drug were studied clinically and histochemically in the X-irradiated rabbit lenses. Both drugs, particularly HRP. were able to delay or prevent changes due to X-irradiation. The histochemical verdict and the possible role of these substances are discussed in term combating the free radicals formed