Nitric oxide participates in cataract development in selenite-treated rats
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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
Characterization of Molecular Mechanisms of In vivo UVR Induced Cataract
Published on: November 28, 2012
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kinki University, Osaka, Japan.
Purpose:
The role of nitric oxide in the development of selenite-induced cataracts in rats was examined using nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors.
Methods:
Subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite was used to induce cataracts in rats, with or without pretreatment with NOS inhibitors. The anterior eye segment analysis system (EAS-1000, Nidek) was used to measure lens opacity. The glutathione content of the lenses was determined by an HPLC method and the Ca2+ content by atomic absorption spectrometry. Nitrite, a stable metabolite of nitric oxide, was determined fluorometrically. NADPH-diaphorase activity staining and Western blot analysis were used to determine NOS levels.
Results:
Administration of the NOS inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), inhibited lens opacification in selenite-treated rats. NG-nitro-d-arginine methyl ester, an inactive enantiomer of l-NAME, had no effect. Aminoguanidine, another NOS inhibitor, also inhibited the development of cataracts in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, L-arginine, a substrate of NOS, accelerated the development of cataracts. Although the opacification of the lenses was apparent approximately 3 days after selenite injection, the nitrite level was increased within one day. In addition, NOS was induced in the eye within one day of selenite injection.
Conclusions:
The present study demonstrated that NOS inhibitors prevented the development of cataracts in selenite-treated rats. The results also suggest that nitric oxide had an important role in the development of selenite-induced cataracts.
Insights
Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors prevented selenite-induced cataracts in rats. This suggests nitric oxide plays a key role in cataract development, offering potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness.
- Selenite-induced cataracts in rats serve as a model for studying cataractogenesis.
- The role of nitric oxide in this model is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of nitric oxide in selenite-induced cataracts.
- To examine the effects of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors on cataract development.
Main Methods:
- Selenite was injected to induce cataracts in rats.
- Rats were pretreated with NOS inhibitors (L-NAME, aminoguanidine) or vehicle.
- Lens opacity, glutathione, Ca2+ content, and nitrite levels were measured.
- NOS expression and activity were assessed.
Main Results:
- NOS inhibitors significantly inhibited lens opacification.
- L-arginine, a NOS substrate, accelerated cataract development.
- Nitrite levels and NOS expression increased within one day of selenite injection.
Conclusions:
- Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors effectively prevent selenite-induced cataracts.
- Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of selenite-induced cataracts.
