Cataractogenic effects of a boron hydride disulfide compound.
The disulfide form but not the sulfhydryl form of a boron hydride compound was found to be cataractogenic. Apparently this compound attaches to the sulfhydryl group of Na-K ATPase in the lens epithelium inactivating this crucial enzyme. The consequence is that a defect in the cation pump activity arises, leading to a rapid influx of Na ions and loss of K ions and marked increase in hydration. These changes are thought to lead to opacification.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000251:Adenosine Triphosphatases / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001894:Borohydrides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002386:Cataract / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002414:Cations, Monovalent; D002417:Cattle; D004220:Disulfides / Q000009:adverse effects; D007477:Ions; D051379:Mice; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D011817:Rabbits; D012413:Rubidium / Q000378:metabolism; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects
D001894:Borohydrides; D002414:Cations, Monovalent; D004220:Disulfides; D007477:Ions; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D012964:Sodium; D000251:Adenosine Triphosphatases; D012413:Rubidium; D011188:Potassium