A genetic basis for corneal sensitivity to ultraviolet light among recombinant SWXJ inbred strains of mice.
OBJECTIVE
To examine a possible genetic basis for corneal sensitivity to UV-B light exposure.


METHODS
To this end, adult male mice from the 14 SWXJ recombinant inbred albino strains (originating from SJL/J and SWR/J parental strains) were subjected to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure of 0.078 J/cm2 and photographed four days post-exposure, to assess corneal opacity and the possible correlation with corneal aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity and soluble protein content.


RESULTS
Those recombinant strains that exhibited the SWR/J strain phenotype of having low levels of ALDH and decreased soluble protein levels also exhibited greater levels of corneal clouding after UV-exposure than the other strains, which exhibited "normal" levels of both ALDH activity and soluble protein in the cornea.


CONCLUSIONS
These data support an hypothesis for a major role for ALDH in assisting the cornea to protect the eye against UV-induced tissue damage.
Downes
J E
JE
Division of Science and Technology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.
Swann
P G
PG
Holmes
R S
RS
D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D000444:Aldehyde Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains / Q000235:genetics*; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D012995:Solubility; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D005136:Eye Proteins; D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase; D000444:Aldehyde Dehydrogenase