Lenticular calcium, magnesium, and iron levels in diabetic rats and verapamil effect.

ABSTRACT

Lenticular calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe) changes in diabetic rats and the effects of the Ca antagonist drug verapamil on this electrolyte imbalance were studied. Verapamil administration had no effect on the blood glucose values. Compared to the control group, a significant increase was observed in the lenticular Ca, Mg, and Fe content of the diabetic rats. Eight weeks of verapamil administration to the diabetic animals significantly reduced lenticular Ca, Mg, Fe values. Therefore it is suggested that verapamil might be a useful drug to prevent diabetic cataract formation.