[Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in the hypocalcemic cataract]

We used an animal model of hypocalcemic cataract to investigate the changes of the cation levels and the Ca2+ pump (Ca(2+)-ATPase) function in the lens. Wistar rats (4 weeks old) were fed with a low calcium and no vitamin D3 diet. After 4 weeks on this diet, anterior subcapsular cataract was recognized, when calcium concentration in the aqueous humor and serum had significantly decreased. Calcium content in the lens decreased and sodium content increased. Ca(2+)-ATPase activity detected by [gamma-32P] ATP assay did not show significant change. We concluded that cataract during the early stage of hypocalcemia is caused by membrane damage with low calcium level in the aqueous humor and sodium content increase in the lens. We also studied the ultracytochemical localization of Ca(2+)-ATPase activity and found it in the plasma membrane of the lens epithelium and cortex and also in the epithelium organelles.