Cataractogenesis in Infant Rats with Model Phenylketonuria

Abstract
Parachlorophenylalanine was employed to produce phenylketonuria (PKU) in immature rats. Blood phenylalanine, liver phenylalanine hydroxylase and behavioral abnormalities were found. In addition, severe lenticular clouding was observed, a phenomenon not seen when model PKU was induced by means of L-phenylalanine. Surgical removal of the eyelids prior to normal eye opening (12 to 14 days) resulted in fulminating cataractous development in both treated and untreated rats as soon as light entered the eye. Animals allowed to open eyes at normal time differed in that the treated rats showed cataract while none was seen in untreated controls.