title: Feline maternal taurine deficiency: effects on retina and tapetum of the offspring.
abstract: The retina and tapetum of kittens born to taurine-deficient and taurine-supplemented mothers were compared. Retinal taurine concentrations typically reach adult levels 6 weeks postnatally. When measured at weaning at 8 postnatal weeks, the taurine concentrations in retina and tapetum of taurine-deficient kittens were 40% of normal levels. An ultrastructural correlate found in the retinas of taurine-deficient kittens was the presence of photoreceptor outer segments that were reduced in length and altered from the typical columnar configuration. Tapetal cells of taurine-deficient kittens were distinguished by accumulations of electron-dense droplets, the presence of tapetal rods with dilated limiting membranes and the presence of amorphous vesicles.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000833:Animals, Suckling; D002415:Cats; D002829:Choroid / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000032:analysis / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012160:Retina / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013654:Taurine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000172:deficiency*
chemical_list: D013654:Taurine