Development of cataract and corneal opacity in mice due to radon exposure

Abstract

This work investigates the radiation damage on the eye of albino mice exposed to effective radon doses ranging from 20.92 to 83.68 mSv. These doses were taken over 2–8 weeks using a radon chamber constructed by the National Institute for Standard (Egypt). The guidance on the quality assurance program for radon measurements was followed. Therefore, the estimated doses received by the laboratory animals meet the requirements of national standard. The refractive index(RI) and protein concentration were measured for soluble proteins of both corneas and lenses. In addition, the sodium dodecyle sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDSPAGE) technique was used. The results show increasing of the RI of both cornea and lens proteins and decreasing in total protein concentration of exposed animals. These results were accompanied with changes in the SDSPAGE profile for both cornea and lens. Therefore, radon exposure produces substantial hazards to the cornea and lens of experimental animals and has a crucial role in the development of cataract and corneal opacity.