Selenite cataract and its attenuation by vitamin E in Wistar rats.
OBJECTIVE
To study the role of vitamin E in preventing cataract formation in experimental animals.


METHODS
An experimental model (selenite cataract) was selected for this study. Selenite cataract was produced in rats by subcutaneous administration of sodium selenite. Biochemical and histological changes following induction of selenite cataract in weanling Wistar rats were studied vis-a-vis the role of vitamin E in attenuating or preventing cataractogenesis.


RESULTS
Vitamin E was capable of preventing selenite cataractogenesis. Selenite cataract did not develop in 91.6% (11 of 12) and 76.7% (8 of 12) vitamin E treated rats, when administered on the 12th and 10th post partum day respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The study confirmed that selenite induced cataract in Wistar rats is attenuated by vitamin E.
Mathew
Joe Prasad
JP
Research Division, Post Graduate Department of Zoology St. Berchmans' College, Changanacherry, Kerala, India. jopmat@rediffmail.com
Thomas
V C
VC
Thomas
Isaac
I
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002386:Cataract / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003459:Crystallins / Q000378:metabolism; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D018038:Sodium Selenite; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000975:Antioxidants; D003459:Crystallins; D014810:Vitamin E; D018038:Sodium Selenite