Distribution of proteins across the porcine lens

Abstract

In an attempt to determine the feasibility of using the porcine lens as a model for research into human lens ageing and cataract we have investigated the distribution of proteins across the lens. Analysis of the soluble protein distributions in the porcine lens indicated that the distribution of high, middle and low molecular weight proteins changed in a way similar to that observed for a young human lens. Changes in the amount of water insoluble proteins across the lens, which are used as an indicator of age-dependent changes and cataract formation, also resembled those observed in the human lens. Coupled to previous observations showing the similarity in metabolism between porcine and human lenses, we suggest that the porcine lens may be more appropriate than the current animal models such as rat, rabbit or bovine, for studies of human lens ageing and cataract. (Clin Exp Optom 1995; 78: 3: 87–92)