Calcium-Induced Aggregation of Bovine Lens Alpha Crystallins

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Abstract

The theory of light scattering indicates that aggregation of the crystalline lens proteins can produce opacity. Furthermore, it is known that calcium increases in the cataractous lens. We have, therefore, investigated the effectiveness of calcium ion in producmg aggregates of the soluble proteins of the bovine lens. The experimental results show: (1) CaCl₂ produce's aggregates of the soluble protein of the lens; (2) the pre-α and at fraction of the lens protein are the specific targets of calcium ion even in the presence of sulfhydryl reducing reagent; (3) the aggregation can be reversed and transparency restored when calcium is removed either by dialysis or chelation; and (4) the molecular weight distribution and index of refraction of the aggregates have been measured.