Summary.
Effects of dietary deficiencies of tryptophan and methionin on the transparency of cornea and lens were investigated in young rats (Brown-Norway, BN; Sprague-Dawley, SD) over 3 months. Transparency of the cornea and lens were evaluated in weekly intervals using a photo-slitlamp microscope. After sacrifice and lens fresh weight determination the lenses were prepared for histopathology. Methionin deficiency had no effect on the parameters investigated. Tryptophan deficiency caused severe loss of body weight in both strains, with additional loss of hair in SD rats. These developed corneal neovascularisations and cataracts. BN rats showed an enhanced zone of discontinuity in the lens. Diet intermission arrested the pathological processes in the eye which restarted when feeding the diet again. This observation is supported by lens fresh weight data. DNA staining evidenced that tryptophan deficiency arrested lens fiber maturation in both strains but stimulated corneal neovascularisation only in SD rats.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received June 29, 2001 Accepted August 6, 2001 Published online July 31, 2002
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wegener, A., Golubnitschaja, O., Breipohl, W. et al. Effects of dietary de?ciency of selective amino acids on the function of the cornea and lens in rats. Amino Acids 23, 337–342 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-001-0147-x
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-001-0147-x