The effects of mirex on the neonatal rat lens in vitro, with a comparison to kepone.

Lenses were removed from 12-day-old rats and incubated in medium containing 20 microM mirex. Lenses were removed from the medium at 2, 4, 6, and 8 h and assayed for K+ and Na+ concentrations and hydration. Mirex had no in vitro effect on these lens parameters compared to controls, and produced no changes in lens clarity. In contrast, incubation for 8 h in medium containing 20 microM kepone resulted in elevated lens Na+ and lower lens K+. Thus, cataracts induced by mirex in vivo are probably not due to a direct toxic effect on the lens.