Retinal degeneration associated with taurine deficiency in the cat

Science. 1975 May 30;188(4191):949-51. doi: 10.1126/science.1138364.

Abstract

A degeneration of the retinal photoreceptor cells develops in cats when casein is the source of dietary protein. Amino acid profiles indicate that the degeneration is associated with a selective decrease in plasma and retinal taurine concentrations. A sulfur amino acid deficit in the casein diet combined with specific amino acid requirements of the cat appear related to this unique expression of taurine deficiency.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / analysis
  • Amino Acids / blood
  • Animals
  • Caseins / metabolism
  • Cats
  • DNA / analysis
  • Dietary Proteins / metabolism
  • Models, Biological
  • Nutritional Requirements
  • Retina / analysis
  • Retina / pathology
  • Retinal Degeneration / etiology*
  • Retinal Degeneration / metabolism
  • Retinal Degeneration / pathology
  • Sulfur / metabolism
  • Taurine / analysis
  • Taurine / blood
  • Taurine / deficiency*

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Caseins
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Taurine
  • Sulfur
  • DNA