Sugars, polyols and electrolytes in human cataractous lens
Funahashi, M.; Ono, H.; Hayano, S.; Komori, T.
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 84(10): 1512-1516
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-0203 PMID: 7257969 Document Number: 155889
To elucidate the possible mechanisms of human cataractogenesis, 54 human cataractous lenses were analyzed for sugars aod polyols by gas liquid chromatography. Electrolytes were determined by flamephotometry. These lenses consisted of 46 senile and 8 diabetic cataracts and were divided into 3 groups (minimal, moderate and severe) depending upon the severity of opacification. With development of senile cataract, glucose and Na+ contents were increased; inositol and K+ contents were decreased. In diabetic cataractous lens, the level of sorbitol and fructose, which were the metabolites of polyol pathway, were increased. The contents of glucose, sorbitol and fructose in diabetic cataracts were higher than those in senile cataracts. In senile cataract, the impairment of active transport system in the lens may play an important role for cataractogenesis. Osmotic hydration due to excessive accumulation of sorbitol and fructose may contribute to the development of diabetic cataract.