Abstract
The effect of systemic 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP; 100 mg/kg daily) and subsequent long ultraviolet irradiation (UVA; 300 mJ/cm2; peak: 365 nm) on albino and pigmented rat eyes was studied in a 3-dimensional experimental set-up. While 8-MOP and UVA did not cause any ocular pathology when administered alone, a combined application of the two factors caused reversible corneal opacities, and irreversible iris devascularisation and cataracts. The irreversible changes were seen only in the albinos and accompanied by a significant decrease in lens wet weight. Phosphorescence and EPR spectroscopy demonstrated the formation of an 8-MOP-protein photoadduct in the animals treated with both 8-MOP and UVA. The results of this study emphasize the necessity of shielding the eyes of patients on photochemotherapy with protective spectacles.
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A preliminary report of these results was presented as a poster at the 1979 ARVO meeting (cf. Koch et al. 1979)
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Koch, H.R., Beitzen, R., Kremer, F. et al. 8-methoxypsoralen and long ultraviolet effects on the rat lens: Experiments with high dosage. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 218, 193–199 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02150094
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02150094