The metabolism of d-glyceraldehyde by the lens |
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Authors: | Ruth Van Heyningen |
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Institution: | Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford |
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Abstract: | 1. The metabolism of d-glyceraldehyde by the lens was examined. 2. When low concentrations of d-U-(14)C]glyceraldehyde were incubated with lens extracts there was no incorporation of the label into protein; more than two-thirds of the labelled metabolites consisted of glyceric acid and glycerol, their relative proportions depending on the species. Lactic acid, a phosphate, glutathione-glyceraldehyde compounds and a neutral compound were also formed. 3. When high concentrations of d-U-(14)C]glyceraldehyde were incubated with lens, extensive incorporation of the label into protein occurred and the protein became yellow-brown. This coloured protein did not exhibit the fluorescent properties shown by the brown proteins of human cataractous senile lens, or of naphthaquinone-treated lens. 4. Evidence that d-glyceraldehyde is formed by the lens was sought but not found. |
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