Transport and bioelectric properties of post-mortem lenses

In this study changes in the physiological activity of post-mortem lenses were evaluated on the basis of changes in membrane transport and potentials as a function of time and storage conditions of enucleated eyes. Irreversible damage to membranes of rabbit lenses were observed within 4–6 hr of post-mortem storage at 37 or 21°C as judged by the inability of lenses to maintain potentials across outer limiting membranes, transport cations, or respond to elevation in sodium levels through pump stimulation. In contrast, changes during storage of eyes at 4°C were completely reversible for periods of storage up to 72 hr, as indicated by recovery in potential and transport properties. Moreover, the ability of lenses to recover normal transport function following storage was not impaired by delaying enucleation by 5 hr. Results obtained from a limited number of human lenses were similar in that both reversible and irreversible changes in potential accompanied changes in normal or stimulated transport rates of the cation pump following post-mortem storage. Recovery in cation levels and potential often appeared incomplete during short term culture after 2 days of eye storage at 4°C and appeared absent in lenses obtained from eyes stored for 3 days at 4°C.