Flavin levels in the rat retina

Exposure of riboflavin and its coenzymes adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and riboflavin-5'-phosphate (FMN) to UV and visible light results in the generation of radicals and photodegradative products that can damage surrounding macromolecules. Vertebrates and invertebrates have lost the ability to synthesize riboflavin and must obtain it or its coenzymes from food. The present study evaluated the relationship between FAD, FMN, and riboflavin concentrations in retina and blood of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Rations were provided in the form of purified diets containing 0, 3, 6, 30, and 300 mg riboflavin kg-1 diet. Analysis of flavins by HPLC showed that saturation levels of FAD, FMN and riboflavin in the retina and blood were achieved with diets containing 3 mg riboflavin kg-1. Retinal flavins were not significantly elevated by further increases in dietary riboflavin concentration, but an unidentified flavin appeared in the blood of rats given rations containing concentrations above 3 mg kg-1. The concentration of this unknown flavin varied in proportion to the level of dietary riboflavin.