Alloxan induced cataract in a rat.

We have measured lipid peroxidation and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in lenses of alloxan injected rats. After 12 weeks alloxan treated rats developed lens cataract. Diabetes rats had both lower lens weight and lower level of proteins in soluble fraction of lens homogenate. Alloxan treatment is associated with a significant increase of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. However, diabetes decreased the activity of glutathione peroxidase in rat lenses. These results show that alloxan, which changes antioxidant status in rat lenses, may cause complications associated with diabetes.