This project examines biochemical events unique to the retina, particularly the synthesis and modification of photoreceptor membrane components, in the retinas of vertebrates which can be affected by inherited retinal degenerations. The synthesis of the visual pigment, rhodopsin, occurs at a normal rate as measured by radioactive leucine incorporation following intravitreal injection in the eyes of miniature poodles affected with progressive rod- cone degeneration. Similarly, the glycosylation and acylation of rhodopsin were found to be normal following intravitreal injection of labeled fucose or palmitic acid, respectively. However, phospholipid synthesis or degradation, measured by radioactive palmitic acid incorporation, appears to be different in the affected dogs, suggesting a possible metabolic defect in this inherited disorder. The evidence suggests a significant diminution in the esterification of palmitic acid but not of arachidonic acid. Moreover, glycerol incorporation into phospholipid is not decreased in the affected animals, thus the defect may specifically involve palmitate.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01EY000016-21
Application #
3941615
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
21
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
U.S. National Eye Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code