Correlation between cyanide-induced decreases in ocular Ca2+-ATPase and lenticular opacification

The effect of cyanide toxicity on Ca²⁺-ATPase activities were significantly decreased in the lens and vitreous humour of the cyanide-fed rabbits (p< 0.05), while the corneal enzyme was unaffected. Ophthalmoscopic examination of the cyanide-exposed rabbits revealed adverse morphological changes, including pale fundus, low retinal reflex and lenticular opacification. The results suggest that cyanide-induced cataractogenesis may be a consequence of disruption of vitreous humour and lenticular calcium homeostasis.