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Abstract
The tricyclic ring structure of several of the aldose reductase inhibitors indicates that they could be detected by optical spectroscopy in certain ocular tissues. Four of these compounds (Quercetin, Quercitrin, AY22-284, and Sorbinil) were investigated with respect to their UV absorption, fluorescence, and phosphorescence characteristics. All absorb in the UV wavelength and have measurable fluorescence (room temperature) and phosphorescence characteristics (77 K). The phosphorescence characteristics were utilized to monitor for the presence of Quercetin, Quercitrin, and AY22-284 in rat, rabbit, and human lenses incubated with each of the inhibitors. Following IP injection, rat and rabbit lenses were removed and subjected to phosphorescence spectroscopy for these three reagents. AY22-284 gave the sharpest and clearest phosphorescence spectra with emission wavelengths well removed from intrinsic lens phosphorescence. It can be detected in the extracted ocular lens within 30 minutes after in vivo IP administration, as well as in vitro lens incubations. The spectral data correlate well with aldose reductase inhibitor levels in such lenses as measured by a biochemical technique. Similar data were obtained with Quercitrin. Sorbinil was best monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy and could be detected in the lens following in vivo administration, as well as in vitro lens incubations.