[Localization of glutathione-S-transferase in transparent and cataractous human lenses]

The localization of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity was investigated in 15 cataractous lenses obtained by intracapsular extraction of senile cataract. Additionally, 8 clear lenses, obtained from donor eyes in cases of corneal transplantation or of traumatic lens luxation, were used as controls. The lenses were divided into the central and peripheral portions with a trephine. The activity of GST was quantitated in each portion according to the method described by Habig. GST activity in clear lenses was significantly higher in the peripheral portion than in the central portion and in the former it was significantly higher in clear lenses than in cataractous ones. The ratio of GST activity between central and peripheral portions (C/P) was significantly higher in cataractous lenses than in clear ones. These findings suggested that the scavenging system of the human clear lens is more active in the equatorial portion than in the central portion. Nevertheless the activity of GST in human cataractous lenses decreased more significantly in the peripheral portion than in the central portion. These findings indicated that the human cataract usually develop from equatorial portion of lens.