Abstract
Purpose: :
Solar ultraviolet radiation is the major avoidable risk factor for cataract development. Here we examine short term cataractogenesis and redox balance after a single UVR 300 nm exposure.
Methods: :
Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed during 15 minutes to 8 kJ/m2 UVR type B centered at 300 nm. The degree of cataract was quantified by in vitro lens light scattering measurements at 1, 3 and 7 days after UVR exposure. Whole lens reduced and oxidized glutathione and activity of glutathione reductase were measured spectrophotometrically.
Results: :
Lens light scattering increased throughout the 7 days following UVR exposure. Exposed lenses exhibited significantly more light scattering than control lenses, at all time points. Reduced glutathione did not change significantly at day 1 but decreased significantly at day 3 and 7. Oxidized glutathione did not change significantly throughout the 7 days. Glutathione reductase activity was significantly increased at day 1 and returned towards baseline at day 3 and 7.
Conclusions: :
Acute ultraviolet radiation causes cataract and oxidative changes in parallel. The altered redox balance is not normalized within 7 days after ultraviolet irradiation.
Keywords: cataract • oxidation/oxidative or free radical damage • radiation damage: light/UV