Correction of ornithine accumulation prevents retinal degeneration in a mouse model of gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina

Tao Wang, Gary Steel, Ann H. Milam, David Valle

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49 Scopus citations

Abstract

Deficiency of ornithine-δ-aminotransferase (OAT) in humans results in gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina (GA), an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by ornithine accumulation and a progressive chorioretinal degeneration of unknown pathogenesis. To determine whether chronic, systemic reduction of ornithine can prevent this form of retinal degeneration, we used an arginine-restricted diet to maintain long term reduction of ornithine in a mouse model of OAT-deficiency (Oat(-/-)) produced by gene targeting. We evaluated the mice over a 12-month period by measurement of plasma amino acids, electroretinograms, and retinal histologic and ultrastructural studies. We found that an arginine-restricted diet substantially reduces plasma ornithine levels and completely prevents retinal degeneration in Oat(-/-). This result indicates that ornithine accumulation is a necessary factor in the pathophysiology of the retinal degeneration in GA and that restoration of OAT activity in retina is not required for effective treatment of GA.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1224-1229
Number of pages6
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume97
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2000

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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