Lens and eye toxicity research最新文献

An unusual pink compound has been isolated from the proteolytic digests of senile nuclear cataract proteins by adsorption onto Sephadex G-10. The tiny amounts obtained precluded definitive structural elucidation, however TLC comparisons show that it resembles triphenodioxazine-1,8-dicarboxylic acid, a pink heterocyclic chemical formed by oxidative condensation of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid.

Circadian and seasonal rhythmic changes in the intraocular pressure are modulated by the nervous system and expressed in the eye by the release of norepinephrine at adrenergic nerve endings. This study links seasonal changes and the effects of the topical application of norepinephrine with changes in the equatorial current of the lens in frogs. A vibrating probe and microelectrodes were used to study the segment of the K+ electrical loop extending between the internal microelectrode, used for measuring potential difference (PD), and the external vibrating electrode, measuring the equatorial current (J). Changes were noted in the electrophysiological parameters of 270 normal frog lenses (Rana pipiens) at different times of the year. Threefold seasonal variations were observed in the amplitude of equatorial current (J) and the resistance associated with the equatorial current (RJ). J was greatest in the winter and RJ was greatest in late spring. Norepinephrine applied directly to the lens did not affect the equatorial current. Norepinephrine applied topically, increased the equatorial current of the lens. It is concluded that the magnitude of the equatorial current of the lens is mediated in part by the ciliary process epithelium.

The induction of genetic damage has clear and dramatic implications for human health, with teratogenic, mutagenic, cataractogenic and carcinogenic consequences resulting from cellular chromosomal alterations in appropriate tissues. When analysing the potential of an agent to initiate genetic damage or in evaluating possible incumbent genomic damage a variety of complementary assays may be employed. These apply to cells in vitro, to in vivo assessments involving small mammals and most importantly to derived human cells and tissues including those of ocular origin. Cytogenetic assays have the important advantage that they enumerate damage at the level of the individual cell. Assays involving the examination of chromosomal aberrations at mitosis, of cells prior to mitosis using the technique of premature chromosome condensation, of micronuclei in post-mitotic cells and of sister chromatid exchanges will be described. The development of human chromosome specific probes and fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) techniques combine the resolution of molecular biology with classical cytogenetics in a powerful approach to defining genomic change and its consequences. These techniques and assays can be further augmented by in situ cytometry such that overall a number of parameters can be quantified involving cellular kinetics, clastogen and/or aneugen definition and ultimately the establishment of dose response relationships. A rational basis for avoidance or control, for intervention or for defining probable cause of the role of genotoxicants in the development of human disease can then be established.

We performed ocular examinations on 58 corticosteroid-treated pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and on 58 age-matched controls. Posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC) were detected in 12 of the 58 treated patients (20.7%) and in none of the controls. The difference in mean intraocular pressure (IOP) between the treated patients (15.89 +/- 4.11 mm Hg) and control subjects (13.63 +/- 2.35 mm Hg) was significant statistically (P < 0.001). Twenty-one patients (36.2%) were characterized as "IOP responders" (IOP > or = 20 mm Hg, change in IOP > or = 6 mm Hg between visits, or a difference in IOP > or = 6 mm Hg between the two eyes). Formation of PSC was not correlated significantly (P > 0.05) with the total dose of prednisone, duration of treatment, average daily dose, or number of days on high doses (> or = 25 mg). Raised IOP was correlated (P = 0.005) only with average daily dose (12.4 +/- 10.9 mg/day; range, 0-47 mg/day) 30 days before examination. When the dose of corticosteroid was reduced to < 10 mg/day, 2 patients manifested regression of PSC, and 12 IOP responders showed a decrease in IOP to within 2 SD of the mean control IOP. Only 3 of the 58 treated patients (5.2%) manifested both PSC and raised IOP. A significant inverse correlation (P = 0.02) was established between IOP at first examination and formation of PSC. We propose that the mechanisms for steroid-induced lens opacities and raised IOP do not share the same genetic basis. Because 52% of these children developed either PSC or raised IOP with prednisone therapy, we advocate careful ophthalmologic monitoring of pediatric patients receiving corticosteroids for IBD or any other condition.

During the past two decades progress in biophysical technology has made it possible to monitor aging and pre-cataractous as well as cataractous changes in the ocular lens in vivo as well as in vitro. Because they are non-invasive these techniques can be performed in vivo and utilized as screening methods to detect and predict eventual lens opacification, and they should also provide increasingly important information to help clarify the cataractogenic process. Three such biophysical approaches can now be employed in vivo; these include lens fluorescence, light scattering measurements and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 analyses (1-27). We have utilized two of these methods (fluorescence spectroscopy and MRI measurements of lens water [T2] phases) to delineate normal age-related and pre-cataractous changes in a series of human subjects and in patients with early lens opacities. The parameters employed for these studies were based on data accumulated from in vitro experiments on human lenses and in vivo and in vitro data from animal experiments (2, 6-8, 18, 19, 22, 25-27).

Surgical solutions and drugs are important in ocular surgery. These include irrigating solutions, viscoelastic substances, mydriatics and miotics, and a growing number of other agents designed to enhance intraocular surgery and its outcome. Potential for damage to the corneal endothelium and other tissues is related to the chemical composition, pH, and osmolality of the irrigating solutions that bathe tissues. Quality balanced salt solutions (BSS) are usually safe for use as an intraocular solution in patients with normal corneal endothelium. If prolonged irrigation times are expected, or the patient already has decompensated endothelium, i.e., primary or secondary endotheliopathy, the use of a "complete" BSS solution is indicated to minimize damage. Intraocular sulfite-containing epinephrine may cause severe corneal edema and should be avoided, or if used, be well diluted. Sulfite-free epinephrine solution is now available and does not cause the endothelial toxicity that one may see with sulfite-containing epinephrine solutions. Current formulations of acetylcholine and carbachol used as miotics in surgery have been evaluated in humans and caution is recommended in using acetylcholine solutions intracamerally in patients with already decompensated endothelium. Chondroitin sulfate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and sodium hyaluronate are non-toxic to animal endothelial cells under conditions analogous to cataract extraction in humans but can be toxic to endothelium if there is continued contact with endothelium for hours. Chondroitin sulfate has been shown to have more of a protective effect in mechanical pseudophakos trauma probably because of its cohesiveness and tendency to coat the endothelium. Viscoelastics cause a significant rise in intraocular pressure of > 30 mm Hg in 3-10% of patients. Very high intraocular pressures are often seen postoperatively after viscoelastic use surgically in patients who preoperatively have a history of ocular hypertension or glaucoma.

This manuscript represents an attempt to evaluate the methods used to assess the biostability of IOLs, in particular their leaching characteristics, the effects of laser pitting, their tensile strength and the effects of UV irradiation on long term implantation of IOLs. The literature relating to these topics during the last two decades has been reviewed and experimental study protocols are presented.

The subconjunctival injection of commercial gentamicin, given either as a single dose or as repeated injections, caused a hyperemic conjunctival response. Simultaneously there was a toxic myopathy induced in the extraocular muscles. The overall response, followed with light microscopy, occurred as a focal infiltrate of polymorphonuclear leukocytes with progression over a few days to a mononuclear cell infiltrate that accompanied fiber degeneration. Injections of each ingredient of commercial gentamicin individually showed that only gentamicin caused the muscle response; methylparaben, EDTA, and sodium bisulfite were without effect. The pH of the solution was eliminated as a contributing factor as was osmolarity of the injection. Increasing recognition is being given to post-operative complications caused by the prophylactic subconjunctival injection of gentamicin following cataract, and other intraocular surgery. The present data offer a mechanistic explanation for many of these toxic findings.

In order to investigate the mechanism by which H2O2 damages the epithelium, 8 x 10(5) rabbit lens epithelial cells were treated with TEMPOL or deferoxamine and exposed to a single sublethal dose of 0.5 mM H2O2. TEMPOL is a SOD mimic, has a characteristic EPR spectrum and is metal independent. EPR spectra indicated that TEMPOL was not destroyed by H2O2, catalyzed the destruction of the superoxide anion, and penetrated the cells. Cells treated with H2O2 showed membrane blebbing, growth inhibition, an increase in GSSG, a dose-dependent decrease in GSH, ATP, NAD+, and in the activity of G3PDH, and in lactate production. H2O2 stimulated the hexose mono-phosphate shunt and induced single strand breaks in DNA. Treatment with TEMPOL or deferoxamine prevented or curtailed H2O2-induced inhibition of growth, the decrease in NAD+, the induction of single strand breaks in DNA, and membrane blebbing, but not the other biochemical parameters investigated. Both TEMPOL and deferoxamine prevent Fe+2-mediated generation of the damaging hydroxyl radical. TEMPOL reacts with superoxide and thus prevents it from recycling Fe+3 to Fe+2. It also oxidizes DNA-Fe+2 to DNA-Fe+3. Deferoxamine chelates intracellular Fe+3 and prevents its reduction to Fe+2. These compounds which limit the availability of Fe+2 by different means indicate that transition metals (including those bound to DNA) mediate certain of the damaging effects of H2O2.