Prevention of galactose cataract by pyruvate.

The effect of pyruvate on the progress of galactose cataract has been studied. Pyruvate was administered topically in the form of eye drops. Such treatment was found to delay the onset of the cataractous changes. Cataract formation was studied by visual inspection with pen light, as well as with slit lamp biomicroscopy in the intact animal. The delay in the formation of cataract was associated with the preservation of the levels of lens ATP, soluble proteins and the decreased accumulation of galactitol. In vitro organ culture experiments yielded similar results.