Correlation between cyanide-induced decreases in ocular Ca<sup>2+</sup>-ATPase and lenticular opacification

Abstract

The effect of cyanide toxicity on Ca2+-ATPase activities were significantly decreased in the lens and vitreous humour of the cyanide-fed rabbits (p< 0.05), while the corneal enzyme was unaffected. Ophthalmoscopic examination of the cyanide-exposed rabbits revealed adverse morphological changes, including pale fundus, low retinal reflex and lenticular opacification. The results suggest that cyanide-induced cataractogenesis may be a consequence of disruption of vitreous humour and lenticular calcium homeostasis. Keywords: Cyanide, Ca2+-ATPase, cataracts Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research Vol. 3 (1) 2004: pp. 37-41