Evidence for rod outer segment lipid peroxidation following constant illumination of the rat retina

Constant illumination for three days (100-125 foot-candles) caused degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the albino rat retina and was accompanied by a reduction in the levels of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 omega 3), the major polyunsaturated fatty acid in rod outer segments (ROS). An increase in the level of lipid conjugated dienes, a measure of lipid hydroperoxides, also was observed in ROS after 24-72 hours of constant illumination. These data support the suggestion that peroxidation of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in ROS may be a factor in light-induced retinal degeneration.