STM Article Repository

Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of different hydrocortisone-induced cataract models in chick embryos.

Material and methods: On the 15th day of the study, hydrocortisone succinate sodium (HC) (0.5 μmol/egg or 0.25 μmol/egg) was administered directly into the air sac (AS) or into the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) in 4 HC-groups. In two control groups, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was administered in the same manner. On the 17th day of the study (48 hours after the injection), the lenses were removed and classified into five stages according to lens opacification under a stereoscopic microscope. In addition, reduced glutathione levels (GSH) of the lenses were measured by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.

Results: The mean scores of lens opacity and cataract formation in HC-groups were significantly higher than those of control groups (p = 0.00). In addition, the mean reduced glutathione levels were significantly lower in HC-groups compared to control groups (199-245 ps vs. 291-294, p = 0.00). The mean scores for lens opacity, cataract formation, and the mean GSH levels did not significantly differ among 4 HC-groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Both doses of HC (0.25 or 0.50 µmol/egg) and both injection methods (into the AS or CAM) may be used efficiently for cataract formation in chick embryo steroid-induced cataract models.