Effect of riboflavin deficiency on the 32P turnover in the macromolecular phosphate compounds of the rat lens.

In order to clarify the role of riboflavin in phosphorylation in the lens, the authors have attempted to investigate the 32P turnover in the macromolecule fraction in the lens supernatant from riboflavin deficient rats. 32P turnover in the macromolecular phosphate compounds was reduced remarkably. The macromolecular phosphate compounds in the lens supernatant which was separated by Sephadex G-50 was identified as RNA. These findings reveal that there are close relationships between reduced RNA turnover in the lens and riboflavin deficiency. This concept may contribute greatly to clarifying the pathogenesis of ariboflavinosis in general.