Copper-ion-catalyzed vitreous liquefaction in vivo.
To investigate copper-ion (Cu2+)-catalyzed vitreous liquefaction in vivo, Cu2+ solution (10 mumol) was injected into the vitreous cavity of rabbits. At 24 h after the injection, the gel and liquid vitreous were weighed, and the percent of vitreous liquefaction was calculated. Cu2+ injection resulted in liquefaction of 58% of the vitreous, although control eyes had 12% liquefaction (p < 0.1). The vitreous liquefaction was more pronounced in the presence of exogenous ascorbic acid. However, the addition of mannitol, a hydroxyl-radical-specific scavenger, significantly suppressed the Cu(2+)-catalyzed vitreous liquefaction. The free radicals generated by the Cu(2+)-catalyzed oxidation system may cause vitreous liquefaction in vivo.
Akiba
J
J
Department of Ophthalmology, Asahikawa Medical College, Japan. jakiba@asahikawa-med.ac.jp
Yanagiya
N
N
Kakehashi
A
A
Hikichi
T
T
Kado
M
M
Yoshida
A
A
Ueno
N
N
D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D001826:Body Fluids; D003300:Copper / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000494:pharmacology; D005782:Gels; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D007477:Ions; D008353:Mannitol / Q000494:pharmacology; D011817:Rabbits; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*
D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005782:Gels; D007477:Ions; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D008353:Mannitol; D003300:Copper; D001205:Ascorbic Acid