DL-propranolol inhibits lens hexokinase activity and affects lens optics

A clinico-biochemical study indicated that the beta-blocker DL-propranolol may affect human lens epithelial hexokinase (HK) activity. In that study five key enzymes were analysed in 192 freshly excised human lens epithelia obtained during cataract surgery. In a large number of patients the epithelial HK was found to be inactive. Medical records of these patients showed widespread use of the drug DL-propranolol. In vitro experiments demonstrated a direct inhibitory effect of the drug on human lens HK activity. Lens refractive function was monitored during long term bovine lens culture experiments in which the potential cataractogenic agent was added to the culture media. DL-propranolol in a concentration of 0.1 mM reduced HK activity in bovine lens epithelium after 72 hr in organ culture and disrupted lens light focusing ability after 250 hr of incubation. Kinetic studies of HK inhibition suggested a competitive inhibitory effect of the drug on the enzyme.