Variation in glycosidase activity in soluble fractions in ICR/f rat lenses with the progression of cataract formation.

The current study reports active glycosidases in the lens of ICR/f rats, which generate a hereditary cataract approximately 90 d after birth, and the variation in enzyme activity with cataract progression. Seven active glycosidases, beta-D-galactosidase, alpha-D-glucosidase, beta-D-glucosidase, beta-D-glucuronidase, beta-D-galactosaminidase, beta-D-glucosaminidase and alpha-D-mannosidase, were detected in ICR/f rat lenses. Of these, beta-D-glucuronidase and beta-D-galactosidase showed a tendency to increase in activity with the cataract progression. Furthermore, beta-D-glucosidase and alpha-D-mannosidase showed a transitory increase in activity at the time of cataract formation. This result suggests that several glycosidases in the lens may be involved in the hereditary cataract formation. The optimal pH and temperature of the seven active glycosidases in rat lenses were also measured in this study.