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Lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) levels in retina are related to levels in the brain
Author(s) -
Vishwanathan Rohini,
Neuringer Martha,
Schalch Wolfgang,
Johnson Elizabeth
Publication year - 2011
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.25.1_supplement.344.1
Subject(s) - retina , zeaxanthin , lutein , cortex (anatomy) , retinal , biology , ophthalmology , chemistry , carotenoid , anatomy , neuroscience , medicine , biochemistry
Background L and Z, cross the blood brain barrier to form macular pigment (MP) in the eye. MP can be measured non‐invasively in humans. Among the carotenoids, L and Z are preferentially taken up in to brain tissue. Purpose To evaluate the relationship between L and Z levels in primate retina and brain sections. Methods Matched retina (4 mm macular punch) and brain sections from two groups of rhesus monkeys on a lifetime diet that was free of carotenoids, except for either L or Z, were analyzed with standard lipid extractions and reverse phase HPLC. Spearman correlations were performed using SYSTAT. Directional p values <0.10 are reported and values <0.050 were considered significant. Results L and Z levels in retina were significantly correlated with their respective levels in the cerebellum. There was a trend for such a relationship in the occipital cortex (p <0.055). Z level in the frontal cortex and pons were also significantly related to Z levels in the retina (see table). Conclusions MP can be used as a biomarker of L and Z contained in primate brain tissue. Support:USDA#581950‐7‐07; DSM