Premium
Changes in carotenoid stereoisomers in the primate retina with age
Author(s) -
Landrum John T.,
Cao Yisi,
Bone Richard A.,
Neuringer Martha,
Landauer Noelle,
Zimmer J. Paul
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a350-a
Subject(s) - zeaxanthin , lutein , retina , carotenoid , primate , macaque , rhesus macaque , biology , anatomy , chemistry , ophthalmology , medicine , biochemistry , neuroscience , genetics
Meso‐zeaxanthin (MZ) is present in the fovea of the human and primate retina. It is formed by an unknown pathway from lutein. Preliminary study of MZ in the retinas of human neonates indicated that this pathway is not functional in the young eye. This study investigated changes in the distribution of the carotenoids in the developing retina. HPLC was employed to study the distribution of carotenoids in 38 macaque retinas ranging from 148 days of gestation to 1.58 yrs in age. The carotenoid amounts were measured in concentric punches of the retina having diameters of 2, 4, and 8 mm, centered on the fovea. The amount of lutein (L), MZ, and zeaxanthin (RRZ) in 2 mm punches were all found to vary significantly, (P < 0.003), with age. The ratios of Z+MZ to L and MZ to L in 2 mm punches both increase significantly with age, (P < 0.001). The amounts of L, MZ, and RRZ in 2 mm punches were significantly greater than 4 mm punches (P < 0.0001). The amounts of L, MZ, and RRZ in 4 mm punches were significantly greater than in 8 mm punches (P < 0.002). The increase in the MZ/L ratio with age is consistent with a pathway in which L is converted MZ. Funding: Wyeth Nutrition