Previous work using the in vitro bovine lens as a model has shown a correlation between toxicity and lens optical function and showed much higher sensitivity in detecting irritancy of several surfactants at much lower concentrations than the Draize score. In the current study, cultured bovine lenses were used to study the effects of the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on lens optical properties and mitochondrial integrity. Bovine lenses were exposed to SDS (0.1 to 0.00625%) for 30 min and cultured for 24 h. Compared to controls (n = 17), loss of sharp focus was evident immediately following exposure to 0.1% SDS (n = 14, p < 0.0001). At 24 h loss of sharp focus became evident in all groups. Loss of lens transparency, significant increase in lens wet weight, and axial length were seen 24 h postexposure in lenses treated with 0.1 to 0.025% SDS. Confocal analysis 24 h postexposure showed SDS concentration-dependent decrease in number and length of the mitochondria in lens epithelial and superficial cortical fiber cells. The results of this study show a correlation between lens optical properties and metabolic function and together provide a sensitive in vitro model of ocular chemical toxicity. Results of confocal analysis suggest that the mitochondrial integrity of the superficial cortical fiber cells is most sensitive to damage caused by SDS. The results further suggest that recovery of lens metabolic function is necessary for the recovery of lens optical properties.

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This comparative study of lenses from nine fish species consisted of seven teleosts (oscar, Astronotus ocellatus; smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu; orangespotted sunfish, Lepomis humilus; Arctic char, Salvelinus alpinus; common carp, Cyprinus carpio; rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss; American eel, Anguilla rostrata) and two species representing more primitive forms (brook lamprey, Lampetra lamotteni; lake sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens). Lens optical properties were analysed using an automated scanning laser monitor. Lens suture anatomy and the morphology and distribution of mitochondria were analysed using a confocal laser scanning microscope. Lenses of Arctic char exhibited the sharpest focus, whereas American eel lenses exhibited the poorest ability to focus and the highest amount of spherical aberration. Metabolically active mitochondria are found in lens epithelial and superficial cortical fibre cells, as in mammals. The results of the detailed study of the lens sutures show that teleost lenses exhibit "line" sutures, whereas "Y" sutures are seen in lake sturgeon lenses. Line sutures are also seen in lenses of brook lamprey and American eel. These last results contrast with the common report of "point" sutures in fish lenses.

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