Abstract
Taurine is a small sulfur amino acid found in high amounts in mammalian eyes and is the most abundant amino acid in the retina. Although taurine can be synthesized endogenously, the main source is the diet. This exogenous taurine intake is regulated by active taurine uptake into tissues by a specific taurine transporter. Taurine depletion, by administering a taurine-free diet or selective blocker of the taurine transporter, generates severe retinal damage in the photoreceptor layer. Taurine depletion has been implicated in the retinal toxicity of the antiepileptic drug vigabatrin, characterized by cone damage and loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The taurine dependency for RGC survival was further demonstrated on purified RGC cultures and animal models of RGC degeneration. Reduced retinal blood perfusion may lead to decreased retinal taurine uptake from the blood and to RGC loss. High levels of taurine are present in the anterior part of the eye. Taurine may prevent the development of cataract and dry eye through its osmoregulatory action. Taurine dietary intake is therefore a major factor in eye health.
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