Comparative and age-dependent aspects of crystallin size and distribution in human, rabbit, bovine, rat, chicken, duck, frog and dogfish lenses.

Lens extracts obtained from eight vertebrate species were analyzed using high-performance gel permeation chromatography with differential refractive index and low-angle laser light scattering detection. The elution patterns enabled the direct determination of the proportions of the crystallin classes as well as the molecular weights of the numerous size fractions in a more rapid and accurate way than previously. Concerning the mammalian species, also age-dependent aspects could be assessed by comparing the data obtained from the extracts of differently aged lenses and/or lens parts.