Effects of gentamycin and chloramphenicol on the transparency of cultured rat lenses.

Abstract

The effect of the antibiotics gentamycin and chloramphenicol on lens opacity was studied in an organ culture system. Opacity was monitored by split laser beam. Both antibiotics enhanced the onset of opacity in the cultured lenses under a variety of conditions. For instance, treatment with 5.0 mg/ml gentamycin for 60 min caused initial opacity after 4.8 +/- 1.3 days as opposed to untreated lenses at which initial opacity appeared after 18.1 +/- 2.99 days. Exposure to 20 mg/ml chloramphenicol for 60 min caused initial opacity after 4.6 +/- 1.51 days. Continuous exposure to penicillin and streptomycin (0.1 mg/ml each) did not enhance the onset of opacity.