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Hexitol production by canine retinal microvessels
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|March 1, 1985
Summary
Canine retinal and cerebral microvessels exhibit hexitol production from galactose. This activity, inhibited by Sorbinil, is relevant to retinopathy similar to diabetic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Dogs develop retinopathy analogous to human diabetic retinopathy.
- Microvascular complications are a hallmark of diabetes.
- Hexitol accumulation is implicated in diabetic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify hexitol-producing activity in canine retinal and cerebral microvessels.
- To investigate the role of aldose reductase in this activity.
- To assess the relevance of this pathway to retinopathy.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of microvessels from canine retina and cerebral cortex.
- Quantitation of galactitol production from galactose.
- Assessment of aldose reductase inhibitor (Sorbinil) effects.
- Control experiments to rule out erythrocyte contamination.
Main Results:
- Retinal and cerebral microvessels demonstrated galactitol production from galactose.
- Production rates were lower than in canine lens epithelium.
- The observed activity was not due to erythrocyte contamination.
- Sorbinil significantly inhibited the hexitol-producing activity.
Conclusions:
- Canine retinal and cerebral microvessels possess hexitol-producing activity.
- This activity is mediated by aldose reductase.
- The findings suggest a potential biochemical link between microvascular hexitol production and retinopathy in dogs.