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Fenretinide does not block visual pigment formation in the rat
1Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.
Journal of Ocular Pharmacology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Synthetic retinoid fenretinide may cause abnormal retinal function. However, this study in vitamin A-deprived rats found fenretinide does not interfere with vitamin A transport or visual pigment formation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Synthetic retinoids, like fenretinide, are used therapeutically.
- Abnormal retinal function has been anecdotally linked to fenretinide use.
- The mechanism behind fenretinide's potential ocular side effects is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if fenretinide interferes with vitamin A transport.
- To determine if fenretinide blocks the uptake of 11-cis retinal into the visual pigment.
- To assess the impact of fenretinide on retinal function and visual pigment formation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a vitamin A-deprived rat model.
- Assessed retinal function using electroretinogram (ERG) measurements.
- Evaluated visual pigment formation through competition studies.
Main Results:
- Fenretinide treatment did not impede vitamin A uptake in rats.
- Normal visual pigment formation was observed in fenretinide-treated rats.
- Electroretinogram measurements indicated normal retinal function post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Fenretinide does not appear to interfere with the vitamin A transport system.
- The drug does not block the normal uptake of 11-cis retinal into the visual pigment.
- This study suggests fenretinide is not responsible for the reported abnormal retinal function via these mechanisms.