Role Of AQP In The Mechanism Of Oxidative Cataract

Objective To observe the expression of aquaporin0,1 (AQP0,1) in lenses of normal rats and oxidative cataract models. And by further studying the role of AQP0,AQP1 in the mechanism of oxidative cataract.Methods Rat lenses were cultured in vitro and individed randomly into two groups: experimental group induced by 2mmol/L H2O2 and control group. There were three subgroups with 13 lenses at different time points( 12,24,48h) in each group. The lenses were observed under the microscope. Simultaneously, photograph analysis was performed in order to detect the variation of opacity; Immunohistochemical technique and computer-imaging analysis were used to localize and observe the expression of AQP1 in lenses; Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and computer-imaging analysis were used to observe the expression of AQP0,1 in lenses.Results Opacity of lenses was elevated in 48 hours when cultured with H2O2. There were significant differences of opacity between H2O2-induced and control group at 12,24,48 hours. AQP1 expression localized in cell membrane of the lens epithelial cells, the expression level of AQP1 in lenses of experimental groups was lower than in clear lenses. There was significant difference between the third subgroups. The expression of AQP0,1 mRNA could be detected in the lens of rats. The expression levels of AQP0,1 mRNA in lenses of experimental groups was lower than in clear lens. There was significant difference between the third periods.Conclusion The expression changes of AQP0,1 may play partial role in the occurrence and development of oxidative cataract. Oxidative damage may effect water debouchment though lens by decreasing the expression of AQP0,1 in lens, and induces cataract.