Effect of selected anti-cataract agents on opacification in the selenite cataract model.

A systematic study of the anti-cataract activity of 14 reagents was conducted using the selenite model. The reagents or their derivatives were identified from literature reports of their potential effectiveness against cataract formation. The effects of each reagent were measured on the phase separation temperature, Tc, of lens homogenate in vitro. Tc is a direct measure of molecular interactions leading to protein aggregation. The protective effect of a single subcutaneous injection of each reagent [at a dose of 1.5 mmol (kg body weight)-1] on lens opacification was evaluated in vivo using rats administered selenite [at a dose of 19 mumol (kg body weight)-1] to initiate cataract formation. The strongest effects on lens opacification in vivo were observed with reagents having the strongest effect on Tc, in vitro. The weakest effects in vivo were observed with the reagents having the weakest effect on Tc, in vitro. The results were suggestive of a relationship between the effect of a reagent on Tc and protection against cataract formation in vivo.