Sorbitol pathway in diabetic and galactosemic rat lens

Abstract

1.1. Studies were conducted to assess the effect of diabetes and galactosemia on various factors involved in the operation of the polyol pathway in rat lens.2.2. It has been found that in diabetic lens the activity of aldose reductase is increased while that of polyol dehydrogenase is decreased. Aldose reductase appears unaffected by galactosemia.3.3. In diabetes the content of total NADPH is higher than normal. In galactosemia, it is maintained at normal level. The content of total NAD is decreased and of total NADH increased, in both diabetes as well as in galactosemia.4.4. It has been demonstrated that the formation in the intact lens is accelerated in diabetes. 1. Studies were conducted to assess the effect of diabetes and galactosemia on various factors involved in the operation of the polyol pathway in rat lens. 2. It has been found that in diabetic lens the activity of aldose reductase is increased while that of polyol dehydrogenase is decreased. Aldose reductase appears unaffected by galactosemia. 3. In diabetes the content of total NADPH is higher than normal. In galactosemia, it is maintained at normal level. The content of total NAD is decreased and of total NADH increased, in both diabetes as well as in galactosemia. 4. It has been demonstrated that the formation in the intact lens is accelerated in diabetes.