Light scattering parameters will be obtained in phenomenological studies on normal and cataractous human lenses in in vivo examinations. Existing slit-lamp and ocular scattering apparatus will be modified to obtain scattering intensities in VV, VH, HH, and HV polarization modes. These parameters will be used for classification purposes as well as for observing cataract development. The transparency of the lens depends on short range order in the spatial distribution of scattering particle. To gain information on the spatial distribution, the supramolecular self and hetero aggregate structure of crystallins will be studied and the interaction forces operating among them. Refractive index gradient, second virial coefficient of light scattering on dilute solutions will be done as a function of pH, temperature, ionic strength and other environmental factors to yield such information. The contribution of cytoskeletal bodies to turbidity through optical anistropy fluctuation will be assessed by studying the birefringence and dichroism of the constituent molecules and in their self and hetero-aggregation states. Transparency of the lens also depends on the proper hydration and svneresis or swelling changes of hydration. Consequently, the role the different lens constituents (crystallins, cytoskeletal bodies) etc. play in the distribution of bound and free water in the lens will be studied by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, high vacuum water vapor sorption and the infra red spectroscopy of the sorption process. Finally, the hydration and structure of adjacent tissues such as, lens capsule, cornea and vitreous will be studied as they may be affected by cataractogenesis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EY002571-15
Application #
3256882
Study Section
Visual Sciences A Study Section (VISA)
Project Start
1978-09-01
Project End
1993-06-30
Budget Start
1992-07-01
Budget End
1993-06-30
Support Year
15
Fiscal Year
1992
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Adelphi University
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
065972838
City
Garden City
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
11530
Bettelheim, Frederick A (2002) Kinetics of chaperoning of dithiothreitol-denatured alpha-lactalbumin by alpha-crystallin. Int J Biol Macromol 30:161-9
Bettelheim, F A; Chen, A (1998) Thermodynamic stability of bovine alpha-crystallin in its interactions with other bovine crystallins. Int J Biol Macromol 22:247-52
Bettelheim, F A; Li, L; Zeng, F F (1998) Do changes in the hydration of the diabetic human lens precede cataract formation? Res Commun Mol Pathol Pharmacol 102:3-14
Bettelheim, F A; Churchill, A C; Zigler Jr, J S (1997) On the nature of hereditary cataract in strain 13/N guinea pigs. Curr Eye Res 16:917-24
Bettelheim, F A; Churchill, A C; Siew, E L et al. (1997) Light scattering and morphology of cataract formation in transgenic mice containing the HIV-1 protease linked to the lens alpha A-crystallin promoter. Exp Eye Res 64:667-74
Siew, E L; Bettelheim, F A (1996) Light scattering parameters of rat lenses with calcium-induced cataracts. Exp Eye Res 62:265-70
Bettelheim, F A; Qin, C; Zigler Jr, J S (1995) Calcium cataract: a model for optical anisotropy fluctuations. Exp Eye Res 60:153-7
Bettelheim, F A; Zeng, F F; Bia, Y et al. (1995) Lens hydration in transgenic mice containing HIV-1 protease linked to the lens alpha A-crystallin promoter. Arch Biochem Biophys 324:223-7
Zhao, T; Bettelheim, F A (1995) Enthalpy and entropy of hydration of bovine crystallins. J Biol Chem 270:24961-4
Bettelheim, F A; Reid, M B; Garland, D (1994) Hydration of gamma-crystallins. Exp Eye Res 58:219-23

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