Previous morphological and biochemical studies indicate that a late appearing hereditary Emory mouse cataract may be a good model for certain human senile cataracts. The development of lenticular opacity in the Emory mouse is a slow process which provides an opportunity to conduct analysis of the progression of alterations that lead to cataract development. Biochemical investigations have not yet demonstrated any specific correlation between alterations in the lens and the extent of opacity. We have conducted studies to determine the role of Na+K+-ATPase in the development of cataract in the Emory mouse. In this report we present results obtained on the site and level of activity of Na+K+-ATPase in six- and twelve-month-old Emory mouse lenses in which visible cataractous changes are beginning to appear. CFW mice (the parent strain) were used for controls in this study. Ultrastructural cytochemistry for the localization of Na+-K+-ATPase exhibited the enzyme reaction product for this enzyme to be present mainly between the lateral epithelial cell membranes and between the apical epithelial cell membranes and superficial cortical fiber membranes. In cortical fibers the reaction product was localized between fiber membranes. Although there was very little or no significant differences in the extent of reaction product in epithelial cells, the reaction product in the cortical fibers of six-month-old Emory mouse was less extensively distributed as compared to lenses from control CFW mice of the same age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)