Glucocorticoid-induced cataract of the developing chick embryo-prevention by propylene glycol

When 0.25 mumol of hydrocortisone succinate sodium (HC) was administered to 15-day-old hen's fertile eggs, almost all lenses of the embryos became cataractous with stages IV-V (> 90%) 48 h after the treatment. However, a triple application of propylene glycol (1.5 mmol/egg) at 3, 10 and 20 h after HC treatment effectively prevented the HC-induced cataract formation (I: 84%, II: 12%, III: 4%, IV-V: 0%) and repressed the decline of glutathione and the elevation of lipid peroxide in the lens caused by HC. Propylene glycol is metabolized to lactate and pyruvate producing NADH and is known to possess protective activities against X-ray irradiation. These properties have modified the HC-induced effects and decreased the production of oxidative stress in ovo, protecting the lens from losing its transparency after HC administration. Furthermore, a marked elevation of glucose in cataractous lenses noted after HC administration was not directly involved in opacification of the lenses.