Identification of fructose 3-phosphate in the lens of diabetic rats.

Fructose 3-phosphate, a novel monosaccharide phosphate, has been identified in the lens of diabetic rats. This compound, which is not present in normal lenses, is a protein glycosylating agent and enzyme inactivator. In addition, because of its structural features, this metabolite is relatively labile and undergoes hydrolysis to yield inorganic phosphate and the potent glycosylating agent, 3-deoxyglucosone. The increase in the concentration of fructose 3-phosphate in the lens of diabetic rats suggests that it and its hydrolysis product, 3-deoxyglucosone, may be responsible in part for the development of some diabetic complications in the lens.