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11-cis retinal restores visual function in vitamin A-deficient Manduca.
1Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston 02125.
Visual Neuroscience
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Carotenoid deficiency in Manduca sexta moths impairs vision by reducing rhodopsin. Supplementing with retinaldehyde (R1) rapidly restores visual sensitivity and function in deprived moths.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Carotenoids are essential dietary pigments for visual function in many animals.
- The tobacco hornworm moth (Manduca sexta) relies on carotenoids for visual pigment chromophore synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize retinoids in Manduca sexta retinas under different dietary conditions.
- To investigate the recovery of visual function in carotenoid-deprived moths supplemented with retinaldehyde.
Main Methods:
- Larvae reared on carotenoid-supplemented or deficient diets.
- Retinoid identification and quantification using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
- Visual sensitivity recovery assessed after topical application of retinaldehyde isomers.
Main Results:
- Carotenoid-deficient moths exhibited reduced visual sensitivity and rhodopsin content.
- 3-hydroxyretinaldehyde (R3) identified as the primary photopigment chromophore in fortified moths.
- 11-cis retinaldehyde (R1) application rapidly restored visual sensitivity in deprived moths, though not to fully fortified levels.
Conclusions:
- Dietary carotenoids are crucial for maintaining visual function in Manduca sexta.
- Retinaldehyde serves as a vital precursor for photopigment regeneration.
- Visual recovery is dependent on the isomer of applied retinaldehyde, highlighting the importance of 11-cis R1.