Reversal of the limited proteolysis of MP26 during the reversal and prevention of the galactose cataract in rat lenses.

The reversal and prevention of the galactose-induced cataract in rats were employed to study their effects on the acceleration of the limited proteolysis of MP26 into MP23-24 previously observed in cataractous lenses of galactose-fed animals. Lenses of rats on a cataract reversal-diet demonstrated the reversal of MP23-24 and MP26 levels to control levels in the clearing cortical areas but not in remaining cataractous nuclear areas. Acceleration of the limited proteolysis of MP26 was observed in the nucleus but not the cortex in the clear lenses of animals on a cataract prevention-diet. The results demonstrated that the limited proteolysis of MP26 may form part of a gradual aging process that although not directly (causally) related to cataractogenesis may at least be accelerated by cataractogenic agents or conditions.