Effect of pregnancy on development of galactose-induced cataract in rat

The effect of pregnancy on the development of galactose-induced cataract was studied in rats. Eight-week-old rats were fed a 50% galactose diet for 4 weeks. The rats were divided into three groups: nonpregnant females, pregnant females, and males. All eyes were examined by slit-lamp biomicroscope at 11 and 12 weeks of age, and the lenses were morphologically examined at 12 weeks. Clinically, the cataract showed a less advanced stage in the eyes of pregnant rats than in the eyes of the other two groups. Morphologically, the lenses of pregnant rats retained their normal structure. However, the lenses of the other two groups showed extensive damage. The plasma galactose levels and galactitol levels in lenses showed no significant difference among the three groups. Pregnancy was proved to inhibit the development of galactose cataract.