[Reactions in the rats from prolonged consumption of lactose or hydrolyzed lactose. 3. Crystalline lens].

Three groups of 15 rats Wistar receive a well-balanced diet with 40 per cent of sucrose (T), lactose (P) or hydrolyzed lactose (PH) in the form of ultrafiltration permeate. After 160 days, no cataract is revealed in the T and P groups. In the PH group, 14 rats reached by cataracts in both eyes: it is slightly developed (PH 2), mildly developed (PH 3) or practically total (PH 4). The inositol disappearance, the high quantity of galactitol, the water and sodium increases are the factors observed before the lens opacification and are responsible for the cataract. Then, during the opacification, soluble proteins, potassium and hydratation of the lens decrease. Galactose 1-P is slowly formed before and during the lens opacification. The lens of the P group (lactose) differ from the control group (T) by the nature and the quantity of hexitols, only.