This specialized research center with more than 2,000 patients on file with retinitis pigmentosa and allied retinal degenerations proposes to continue studies on the course of these diseases as monitored with psychophysical and electroretinographic testing. Research is also planned to study postmortem donor eyes with these diseases with morphometric and biochemical analyses as well as tissue culture techniques to help define pathogenetic mechanisms. Attention will be given to evaluating in postmortem donor eyes those abnormalities known or thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of photoreceptor cell death in animal models of retinal degenerations. Data derived from clinical and laboratory studies will be evaluated with biostatistical methods to better define the course, region-specific changes in donor eyes, and possible effect modifiers. The hope is that this research will reveal pathogenetic mechanisms and thereby increase understanding of this group of diseases which affect an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 people in this country and countless others around the world.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Cooperative Clinical Research--Cooperative Agreements (U10)
Project #
5U10EY002014-14
Application #
3559068
Study Section
Vision Research and Training Committee (VSN)
Project Start
1977-07-01
Project End
1992-01-31
Budget Start
1990-02-01
Budget End
1991-01-31
Support Year
14
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
082359691
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
Berson, Eliot L; Rosner, Bernard; Sandberg, Michael A et al. (2012) ?-3 intake and visual acuity in patients with retinitis pigmentosa receiving vitamin A. Arch Ophthalmol 130:707-11
Sibulesky, L; Hayes, K C; Pronczuk, A et al. (1999) Safety of <7500 RE (<25000 IU) vitamin A daily in adults with retinitis pigmentosa. Am J Clin Nutr 69:656-63
Berson, E L; Rosner, B; Sandberg, M A et al. (1993) A randomized trial of vitamin A and vitamin E supplementation for retinitis pigmentosa. Arch Ophthalmol 111:761-72