Effect of inhibition of lens membrane Na+-K+ ATPase by ouabain pre-treatment--an in vitro study.

ABSTRACT

The precise factors responsible for the cataract formation are not known. The role of Na+-K+-ATPase in maintaining ionic concentration of lens and lens membrane permeability and its involvement in the formation of cataracts has been of recent interest. Thus the present study was undertaken to study the effect of pre-treatment with Ouabain, a known Na-K-ATPase inhibitor, on the intra-lenticular ionic concentration and the rule of lens membrane permeability in cataractogenesis. Fresh goat lenses were used for the experimental work. Isolated lens culture technique was used. The electrolytes were estimated before and 24 hours after Ouabain pre-treatment. The electrolyte pattern showed significant changes after pre-treatment with Ouabain. Lens sodium ion concentration increased significantly with a concommitant decrease in potassium ion concentration. Intra-lenticular chloride concentration also showed a significant increase as compared to control. Calcium and magnesium ion concentrations also showed slight increase after the inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase system by Ouabain.