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Age-dependent lens changes in galactose-fed dogs
P A Lackner1, L Rodriguez, S Sato
1Laboratory of Ocular Therapeutics, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Experimental Eye Research
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Younger dogs rapidly developed severe sugar cataracts when fed galactose, with changes mirroring age-dependent reductions in lenticular NADPH-dependent reductase activity. Cataracts in the youngest dogs showed signs of resorption.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Sugar-induced cataracts in dogs are initiated by aldose reductase.
- Previous studies documented cataract progression in 9-month-old galactose-fed dogs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of age on the onset and severity of sugar cataract formation.
- To compare cataract development in beagles fed a galactose diet at different ages (2, 6, and 24 months).
Main Methods:
- Beagles were fed a 30% galactose diet starting at 2, 6, or 24 months of age.
- Cataract formation was monitored using slit lamp and retroillumination microscopy.
- Lenticular NADPH-dependent reductase activity was assessed.
Main Results:
- Cataract formation was more rapid and severe in younger dogs compared to 9-month-old controls.
- In 2-month-old dogs, cataracts formed rapidly, then began to resorb after 106 days.
- Age-dependent reductions in lenticular NADPH-dependent reductase activity correlated with cataract development.
Conclusions:
- Age significantly influences the onset and severity of galactose-induced cataracts in dogs.
- Younger dogs exhibit accelerated cataract formation and potential for resorption.
- Reduced aldose reductase activity is linked to age-related differences in sugar cataract development.