Influence of 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone on rat ocular lens.

The effect of 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone on ocular lens in rats and untreated controls was studied. In the treated lenses, the activity of hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase remained unchanged. The activity of aldolase was increased in 18- and 20-month-old lenses as compared to controls. Aldose reductase activity was decreased at the age of 20 months (p < 0.001). Structural lens proteins studies by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunodecoration with specific antibodies for crystallines alpha A + alpha B and beta + gamma suggest some protective effect in treated animals.