Detection of different metabolites in the rabbit lens by high resolution ¹H NMR spectroscopy

Abstract

Purpose. To investigate the metabolic profile of the rabbit lens using high resolution ¹H NMR spectroscopy including two-dimensional shift correlated (COSY) technique.

Methods. Perchloric acid extracts of the rabbit lens were analysed with a Bruker AM-500 spectrometer and the metabolites were assigned in the spectra. Some of these were also quantified.

Results. More than 20 metabolites were detected in the perchloric acid extract of a single lens, including amino acids, nucleotides and other related compounds. Of particular importance is the ability to detect and identify glutathione, myo-inositol, scyllo-inositol and taurine.

Conclusions. The study demonstrated the potential of ¹H NMR spectroscopy for monitoring the metabolic profile of the lens in normal and pathologic conditions.

Key Words:

• ¹H NMR spectroscopy
• glutathione
• inositol
• lens
• metabolites
• rabbit