Popis: |
The ocular lens of the ground squirrel is an excellent model for studies of eye light interactions that may apply to the human system. UV-B radiation induced damage to the eye lens is believed to be mediated through ROS Antioxidant systems, both enzymatic and non- enzymatic aid in preventing the damage to the lens. The activity of indoleamine 2,3- dioxygenase (IDO), a first rate limiting enzyme of tryptophan catabolism, has been studied in the lenses of Indian ground squirrel exposed to UV-B radiation. Further, antioxidants and oxidative stress markers have also been investigated to assess the oxidative status. Our investigation revealed an increased indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity and tryptophan metabolites suggesting their protective role in UV stress. The study indicates that UV-B irradiation for 12 h and 24 h (300 nm; 100 μw/cm2) of lens samples led to a marginal decrease in GSH and increase in carbonyls and MDA levels reflecting the role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in protecting the lens tissue. |