Electron microscopic study on the lens of riboflavin-deficient albino rat.

Although cataract was recognized as a typical symptom of ariboflavinosis soon after the discovery of riboflavin, some reports appeared thereafter which denied its occurrence. In the present study electron microscopic examination of the lens of rat fed on synthetic riboflavin-deficient diet revealed swelling degeneration of mitochondria and vacuolation of cytoplasm of the epithelial cells of the lens. These changes are similar to those observed in the initial period of cataract caused by other agents.