Feline Maternal Taurine Deficiency: Effects on Retina and Tapetum of the Offspring

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Abstract
The retina and tapetum of kittens born to taurine-deficient and taurine-supplemented mothers were compared. Retinal taurine concentrations typically reach adult levels 6 weeks postnatally. When measured at weaning at 8 postnatal weeks, the taurine concentrations in retina and tapetum of taurine-deficient kittens were 40% of normal levels. An ultrastructural correlate found in the retinas of taurine-deficient kittens was the presence of photoreceptor outer segments that were reduced in length and altered from the typical columnar configuration. Tapetal cells of taurine-deficient kittens were distinguished by accumulations of electron-dense droplets, the presence of tapetal rods with dilated limiting membranes and the presence of amorphous vesicles.