Initial changes in the free carbohydrate profile of rat lens and retina following streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

The changes in the concentration profile of free carbohydrates (glucose, sorbitol, fructose and myo-inositol) in rat lens and retina were studied in the first 5 days following induction of diabetes with streptozotocin. In both tissues, the total concentration of free carbohydrate increased markedly in this period. In the lens, the major component was sorbitol, whereas in the retina the major component was glucose. Myoinositol loss occurred only in the lens. The significance of these early changes in carbohydrate concentrations are discussed in relation to the development of subsequent metabolic derangements.