Retinal degeneration associated with taurine deficiency in the cat.

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.