title: The role of docosahexaenoic acid in retinal function.
abstract: An important role for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) within the retina is suggested by its high levels and active conservation in this tissue. Animals raised on n-3-deficient diets have large reductions in retinal DHA levels that are associated with altered retinal function as assessed by the electroretinogram (ERG). Despite two decades of research in this field, little is known about the mechanisms underlying altered retinal function in n-3-deficient animals. The focus of this review is on recent research that has sought to elucidate the role of DHA in retinal function, particularly within the rod photoreceptor outer segments where DHA is found at its highest concentration. An overview is also given of human infant studies that have examined whether a neonatal dietary supply of DHA is required for the normal development of retinal function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Flinders Medical Centre, The Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia 5042, Australia.
authors.forename: B G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Jeffrey
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Weisinger
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Neuringer
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004596:Electroretinography; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D011323:Primates; D012160:Retina / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D012243:Rhodopsin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D012243:Rhodopsin