Localization of denatured enzyme molecules in rat lenses.

Immunohistochemical localization of altered enzyme molecules was detected by the use of antibodies to denatured enzymes (ADE) conjugated with fluorescein. Denatured aldolase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase are mostly located in the subcortical region and in the nucleus of the rat lens. In the nuclear fibres the enzyme is located near the membrane of the fibres. This study provides additional evidence that altered enzyme molecules accumulate in the lens, and indicates their exact localization. ADE antibody can distinguish between inactive enzyme molecules and active ones, using immunohistochemical techniques.