Figure 5. Rhodopsin and DNA levels: influence of diet on susceptibility to light damage

The influence of diet on susceptibility to damage from intense light on rhodopsin (Panel A) and DNA (Panel B) levels in normal and P23H transgenic rats. Values are expressed as the mean ± SD from 4-8 independent observations (N). Cyclic-light-reared animals were placed in a dark environment for two weeks after exposure to intense light of either 4 or 8 h duration to allow for repair of damaged tissue and removal of necrotic tissue prior to rhodopsin and DNA measurements. 0 h = unexposed to intense light. Deficient diet lacks 18:3n-3. Linseed oil (18:3n-3) was given by gavage to supplemented animals.