[Photodamage of rhodopsin molecule. Oxidation of SH-group]

Illumination of rod outer segments with bright visible light results in the oxidation of both protein and lipid components of the photoreceptor membrane. The oxidation degree depends on the intensity and time of illumination. The inhibitors of free radical processes completely inhibit lipid oxidation and somewhat decrease protein oxidation. Photooxidation systems of lipids and rhodopsin also react differently to oxygen content in the incubation medium. Retinal is the photosensitizer of the oxidation of the photoreceptor membrane components.