Studies on calcium regulation in relation to sodium-potassium balance in the rabbit lens.

Net changes in the levels of lens calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and water content were determined following exposure in vitro to iodoacetate, ouabain, lanthanum, cyanide, quercetin and cold temperature. The lens calcium content rose following inhibition of lens metabolism but did not change following specific inhibition of the sodium pump. The data revealed that regulation of the lens calcium balance is largely independent of lens sodium and potassium content. A greater increase in lens sodium content upon iodoacetate treatment vs. ouabain treatment is discussed in relation to the elevation of lens calcium.