[Prefeeding of aldose reductase inhibitor inhibits galactose cataract]

To examine the effect of prefeeding the aldose reductase inhibitor (ARI) on the cataract induced by the subsequent feeding of galactose diet, rats were first fed rat chow with or without ARI for 2 weeks. The animals were then transferred to a 25% galactose diet for different periods of time. Lenses were enucleated and examined by light microscopy. The amount of galactitol in the lenses was examined biochemically. The cataract was less severe and there was less galactitol in the lenses in the rats first fed with ARI than in those without ARI. These results indicate that the feeding the ARI prior to galactose feeding partly inhibits galactose cataract.