Abstract
SummaryCone photoreceptors degenerate in a number of retinal diseases leading thereby to blindness or low vision as in age‐related macular degeneration or retinal dystrophies. However, mechanisms leading to cone photoreceptor death remain enigmatic. In the 70s, taurine depletion was shown to lead to complete photoreceptor degeneration. We have investigated the relative cone/rod sensitivity to taurine depletion and the effect of taurine supplementation on cone degeneration in a model of Usher syndrome type 1. Using a taurine transporter blocker, we have shown that taurine depletion induces a cone degeneration prior to the rod loss. This cone degeneration affect both blue and green cones throughout the retina. To investigate whether taurine could provide an interesting neuroprotective agent in retinal diseases, we supplemented a mouse model of Usher syndrome type 1 with taurine. This taurine supplementation prevented the cone photoreceptor degeneration and the associated retinal gliosis. These studies demonstrate that taurine is an essential antioxidant for cone photoreceptor survival. Its supplementation could slow down the degenerative process of cone photoreceptors as in our in animal models of Usher syndrome type 1.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
