Therapeutic effect of tertiary butyl alcohol eyedrops on sodium selenite-induced cataract in rats

Abstract

Objective: To study the therapeutic effect of tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) eyedrops on selenite-induced rat cataract (simulating senile cataract). Methods: Rat cataract model was induced by sodium selenite. The right eyes of the rats were treated with 25, 50, or 75 mmol/L TBA eyedrops (1 drop/time, 3-5 times/day); the left eyes were taken as control. The eyes were observed everyday and were examined using slit lamp at the fifth and tenth day after treatment for nuclear plaques of the lens. The maximal diameter changes of the cataract plaques were detected using vernier cursor (with the minimum division value being 0.02 mm). Meanwhile, the right eyes of normal SD rats were stimulated with 100 mmol/L TBA eyedrops (1 drop/time, 3-5 times/day) to investigate the toxic effect of the eyedrops and other adverse reactions. Results: The diameter and degree of cataract plaques of the nuclear cataract in the right eyes were less than those in the left eyes, and the opacification degree in the right eyes was slighter than that in the left eyes. The TBA eyedrops had less toxicity and stimulation to the eye. Conclusion: TBA eyedrops have obvious therapeutic effect on selenite cataract.