Delay of cataract development in the Shumiya cataract rat by water containing enhanced concentrations of magnesium and calcium.
We demonstrate a delaying effect of deep-sea drinking water (DDW) containing enhanced magnesium ion (Mg(2 +)) and calcium ion (Ca(2 +)) concentrations on cataract development in Shumiya cataract rats (SCRs). The lenses of SCRs administered DDW-200 (Mg(2 +), 200 mg/L, Ca(2 +); 71 mg/L) were less opaque than those in SCRs administered purified water (PW). In SCRs administered DDW-200, a decrease in Mg(2 +) content and an increase in Ca(2 +) content in the lenses was prevented in comparison with SCRs administered PW. Nitric oxide (NO) levels in the lenses of SCRs administered DDW-200 were lower than those in SCRs administered PW. In conclusion, the administration of DDW-200 to SCRs has a potent delaying effect on cataract development, possibly due to preventing an increase in NO levels in the lens.
Nagai
Noriaki
N
School of Pharmacy, Kinki University, 3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan.
Ito
Yoshimasa
Y
D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D002386:Cataract / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004326:Drinking; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000378:metabolism; D008274:Magnesium / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry*; D013997:Time Factors
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D008274:Magnesium; D002118:Calcium