Photodamage to the lens in vitro: Implications of the Haber-Weiss reaction

Studies have been conducted to examine the implications of photochemical of O₂⁻ and its derivatization to H₂O₂ and OH· in the physiology of the lens in vitro. Physiological status was determined by measuring the uptake of rubidium by the intact tissue when cultured in riboflavin-containing medium, in dark and light, and in the presence and absence of various scanvengers. In the presence of light, the uptake of rubidium in the lens was greatly diminished; this suggests photodamage to the tissue. MnSOD and ferricyanide protected against this photochemical damage. The damaging process was thus initiated by the generation of O₂⁻. The tissue damage was also attenuated by catalase, ferrocyanide, and mannitol. These results, therefore, suggest the participation of hydrogen peroxide and the subsequent Haber-Weiss reaction in the photodamaging process.