Purification and Properties of Baboon Corneal Aldehyde Dehydrogenase: Proposed UVR Protective Role

Abstract

The mammalian cornea plays an important role in protecting the eye from ultra-violet radiation (UVR) induced damage, particularly photosensitive retinal cells and the lens, by the absorption of UVR in the 290–320 nm wavelength range (UV-B) (Boettner and Wolters, 1962; Zigman, 1983). The mechanisms of corneal photoreception of UV-B light have not been determined, as yet, although studies examining the action spectra for the cornea in the induction of photokeratitis, have suggested the major involvement of a soluble protein in this process (Cogan and Kinsey, 1946; see Ringvold, 1980) . Photobiological processes in the cornea, arising from UV-B absorption, have also not been described. Recent studies by Stephens et al (1989) have indicated, however, that lipid peroxidation may account for phototoxicity in the retina, via the generation of peroxidic aldehydes, which are the cytotoxic products of lipid peroxidation (see Esterbauer et al, 1988).