Abstract
A degeneration of the retinal photoreceptor cells develops in cats when casein is the source of dietary protein. Amino acid profiles indicate that the degeneration is associated with a selective decrease in plasma and retinal taurine concentrations. A sulfur amino acid deficit in the casein diet combined with specific amino acid requirements of the cat appear related to this unique expression of taurine deficiency.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Amino Acids / analysis
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Amino Acids / blood
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Animals
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Caseins / metabolism
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Cats
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DNA / analysis
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Dietary Proteins / metabolism
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Models, Biological
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Nutritional Requirements
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Retina / analysis
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Retina / pathology
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Retinal Degeneration / etiology*
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Retinal Degeneration / metabolism
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Retinal Degeneration / pathology
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Sulfur / metabolism
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Taurine / analysis
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Taurine / blood
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Taurine / deficiency*
Substances
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Amino Acids
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Caseins
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Dietary Proteins
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Taurine
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Sulfur
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DNA