Role of glutathione in the prevention of cataractogenesis in rat lenses

A new method has been developed for the conjugation of rat lens glutathione by 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). This reaction is catalysed by glutathione S-transferase present in the lens. One milliliter of 1 mM CDNB per two rat lenses conjugates more than 95% of the lens GSH in 30 min at 37 degrees. Lenses incubated with 1 mM CDNB for 30 min, followed by incubation in the culture medium without CDNB remained apparently clear for up to 24 hrs. The CDNB treated lenses were more susceptible to protein precipitation (cataract formation) when challenged with oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions.