[Quantitative autoradiography of the glucose transport protein with (3H)cytochalasin-B in the mammalian eye].

In vitro autoradiography with [3H]cytochalasin for the anatomic localization of the glucose transport protein in eyes of rats, rabbits, baboons, marmosets and humans reveals high glucose carrier densities in the ciliary body, especially ciliary processes, iris, retina and, in some species, in the trabecular meshwork and lens. In the lens, specific [3H]cytochalasin B binding sites are mainly concentrated in the lens nucleus. Lower concentrations are found in the cortex. During again, the glucose transporter concentration increases up to the age of 8 years in the marmoset lens nucleus, but decreases in the cortex and retina. Moderate amounts of carrier are located in the corneal endo- and epithelium. These findings suggest a possible involvement of glucose transporter-related mechanisms in cataractogenesis, e.g. in that resulting from glycosylation of lens proteins. The enrichment of glucose carrier protein in the trabecular meshwork suggests a high metabolic activity and a possible involvement in the regulation of intraocular pressure. The relationship between glucose transport and utilization is also briefly discussed.