Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Dajizhi(Euphorbium) on selenite-induced cataracts.METHODS: Wistar rat pups were divided into 9 groups. Rats in group 1 were subcutaneously injected with saline, and rats in the other groups were injected with sodium-selenite. Every right eye was treated with 5 μL eye drops 3 times per day, and the left eye received no treatment. The eyes of rats in group 3 were treated with pirenoxine; rats in groups 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 were respectively treated with Dajizhi(Euphorbium)(25 mg/m L), Dajizhi(Euphorbium)(5 mg/m L), Dajizhi(Euphorbium) methanol extract(25 mg/m L), Dajizhi(Euphorbium) methanol extract(5 mg/m L), euphol(25 mg/m L), euphol(5 mg/m L). Cataracts were observed by a slit lamp before and after treatment. Electroretinograms were acquired at set intervals. The morphological changes of the rat eyes were observed in vitro, and the levels of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in the lenses and aqueous humour were estimated at set intervals.RESULTS: Slit lamp examination showed decreased degrees of cataracts after administration of the different treatments. Morphological comparison showed that Dajizhi(Euphorbium) can reduce the turbidity of the lenses, meaning that Dajizhi(Euphorbium) has the anti-cataract effects. Low-concentration of Dajizhi(Euphorbium), its methanol extract and euphol treatment prevented the b-wave amplitudes of the electroretinograms from falling.Euphorbium treatment significantly restored GSH-Px and SOD levels in the lenses and aqueous humour, especially after 10 and 25 d of administration. Euphorbium may help lenses fight oxidative stress caused by selenite.CONCLUSION: The administration of Dajizhi(Euphorbium) can inhibit selenite-induced cataracts.

Key words: cataract, antioxidants, electroretinogram, Dajizhi(Euphorbium)