ABSTRACT
Glutathione provides most of the protection against oxidative damage to the lens.
Lowering the glutathione concentration in the lens experimentally produces cataracts.
Its concentration in the lens is high, and its sulphydryl group is readily oxidised.
Glutathione can also reduce oxidised protein sulphydryl groups.
It is synthesised in the lens epithelium and superficial lens fibres. It is also transported into the lens from the aqueous. It diffuses into the deeper fibres from the superficial fibres. Conversely, oxidised glutathione (GSSG) must diffuse to the superficial lens fibres.
Reduced glutathione is regenerated by NADPH [reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate] and glutathione reductase.
