D-Galactose

D-Galactose is a natural aldohexose and C-4 epimer of glucose. In Vitro:Galactose is important for the survival and virulence of bacteria. In Escherichia coli galactose is utilized by the Leloir pathway. Two anomers of d-galactose are used for different purposes, α-d-galactose as a carbon source and β-d-galactose for induction of UDP-galactose synthesis for biosynthetic glycosylation^[1]. In Vivo:D-Galactose can be used in animal modeling to construct mouse subacute aging model and rat cataract model.

Chronic D-galactose exposure induces neurodegeneration by enhancing caspase-mediated apoptosis and inhibiting neurogenesis and neuron migration in mice, as well as increasing oxidative damage. In addition, D-galactose-induced toxicity in mice is a useful model for studying the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and neuroprotective drugs and agents^[2]. D-galactose given by oral route causes cognitive impairments in rats which are accompanied by oxidative damage. Cognitive impairments is observed in the open-field test in the 4th and 6th weeks after d-gal administration, as well as an impairment in spatial memory in the radial maze test after the 6th week of d-gal administration^[3].

D-Galactose is a classic subacute aging and cataracts modeling agent. D-galactose changes the structure of protein and peptide by reacting with their free amine groups resulting in the accumulation of advanced glycation end (AGE) products through non-enzymatic glycation. AGEs give rise to age-related disorders. Rats and mice are generally used as animal models^[4][5][6][7].

Dose reference for D-Galactose induction^[4][5][6][7]:
(1) Model animal: female/male C57BL/6J mice
Subacute Aging Model: 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous injection (s.c.), 8 weeks
Cataract Model: 200 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous injection (s.c.), 8 weeks
(2) Model animals: Albino-Wistar rats (120-130 g)
Subacute Aging Model: 300 mg/ml/kg, injected intraperitoneally (i.p.), 7 day
Cataract Model: 15 g/kg, injected intraperitoneally (i.p.), twice daily, 30 day