Effect of verapamil on lenticular calcium, magnesium and iron in radiation exposed rats

Purpose: To investigate the effect of verapamil on lenticular calcium, magnesium, iron and on radiation-induced cataract in rats. Methods: Thirty-seven, female, Wistar Albino rats, weighing 180-230 g were randomly grouped as follows: control group (10 rats), radiation group (13 rats) and radiation-verapamil group (14 rats). Both radiation and radiation-verapamil groups received 5 Gy radiation to the whole body in a single dose, including both eyes within the irradiation volume; in addition the verapamil group received daily subcutaneous injections of 8 mg/kg verapamil starting on the first day of radiation. At the end of an 8-week experimental period, the animals were killed by decapitation. Lenticular calcium, magnesium, and iron levels were studied. Results: The mean lens calcium level for the radiation group was significantly higher than that for the control and radiation-verapamil groups and, there was no significant difference between the control and radiation-verapamil groups. The mean lens magnesium value for the radiation group was significantly higher than that for the control group. In the radiation-verapamil group the mean lens magnesium content was significantly lower than that for the radiation group. The iron level in the radiation group was significantly higher than that for the radiation-verapamil group. Conclusions: The lens calcium, magnesium and iron contents increased after radiation exposure. Verapamil treatment significantly reduced the increase in the lenticular content of calcium, magnesium and iron, indicating a probable protective effect of verapamil in radiation-induced cataract formation.