Related Experiment Videos
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in bovine lens
P E Gallenga1, A Morgante, M Ciancaglini
1Institute of Ophthalmology, Gabriele D'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.
Ophthalmic Research
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in bovine eye lenses, but not in the vitreous or aqueous humor. This study identifies specific PAHs present in the lens tissue.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Environmental Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental contaminants.
- The presence and distribution of PAHs in ocular tissues are not well understood.
- Bovine eyes serve as a model for studying ocular tissue composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and levels of PAHs in different parts of the bovine eye.
- To identify specific types of PAHs within ocular tissues.
- To determine the distribution of PAHs in the lens, vitreous, and aqueous humor.
Main Methods:
- HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) was employed for separation and quantification.
- Spectrofluorometry was used for sensitive detection of PAHs.
- Twenty fresh bovine eyes were dissected to isolate lens, vitreous, and aqueous humor.
Main Results:
- PAHs were exclusively found in the lenticular tissue of bovine eyes.
- The mean concentration of PAHs in bovine lens tissue was 0.0271 µg/g.
- Five specific PAHs (pyrene, fluoranthene, triphenylene, 1.2-benzanthracene, and chrysene) were identified in the lenses.
Conclusions:
- The bovine eye lens accumulates PAHs, while the vitreous and aqueous humor do not.
- The presence of PAHs solely in the lens suggests specific binding or sequestration mechanisms.
- The environmental source of PAHs in mammalian lenses remains undetermined.