Taurine and its trophic effects in the retina

The sulphur amino acid taurine possesses variable functions during developm ent and regeneration of the central nervous system. The retina synthesize a nd uptake taurine, which is the amino acid present in the highest concentra tion in this tissue. Deficiency of taurine alters the structure and the fun ction of the cerebral and cerebelar cortex, as well as the retina. Taurine increases outgrowth of postcrush goldfish retina in culture, partially by e levating calcium influx, and also by the modulation of protein phosphorylat ion. Its concentration increases in the retina after the lesion of the opti c nerve, and the intraocular injection of it, between the crush and the exp lantation, stimulates the outgrowth of neurites. Taken together, although t here are a great number of unresolved questions on the mechanisms of action of this amino acid as a trophic substance, the results support the role of taurine during regeneration of the optic nerve.