The effect of near-UV light on Na-K-ATPase of the rat lens.
The influence of in vitro near-UV radiation exposure on the physical state of the rat lens and on its membrane-bound Na-K-ATPase activity was investigated. Lens swelling was correlated to the appearance of opacities and the inactivation of the enzyme. The results show a significant decrease in the Na-K-ATPase activity which may be an early change leading to osmotic type cataracts. The dose-effect curves obtained for cortical and epithelial enzymes were different. Since the data do not follow a monoexponential function, the existence of two forms of Na-K-ATPase in the lens is discussed.
Torriglia
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A
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Zigman
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S
D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000201:enzymology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012044:Regression Analysis; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000378:metabolism*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase