Metabolic labeling of rod outer segment phospholipids in miniature poodles with progressive rod-cone degeneration (prcd).

The recessive genetic defect in miniature poodles which results in progressive rod-cone degeneration (prcd) has been investigated in an attempt to determine the biochemical abnormality involved. In the present study, the rod outer segments of young prcd affected miniature poodles and normal dogs have been compared with respect to the incorporation of intravitreally injected [3H]palmitic acid. [14C]linolenic acid, and [14C]docosahexaenoic acid into neutral lipids and phospholipids as well as [3H]palmitate and [14C]leucine into rhodopsin. In addition, 3 mm trephined punches of retinas were incubated with [3H]palmitic acid, [3H]arachidonic acid, [14C]linolenic acid, [3H]serine, [14C]glycerol and [14C]leucine. No difference in incorporation of labeled precursors into lipids or rhodospin was noted between prcd affected and normal retinas. Phosphatidyl choline appeared to function as a carrier of fatty acids to the rod outer segment where they were redistributed to other phospholipids. An interesting lack of conversion of the essential fatty acid linolenic acid to docosahexaenoic acid was noted in both normal and affected retinas. This conversion involves elongation and desaturation of linolenic acid and may take place primarily in extraretinal tissues such as the liver. This finding, in conjunction with a parallel study of plasma fatty acids which has shown significantly lower levels of docosahexaenoic acid in prcd affected poodles, points to a possible systemic defect in the metabolism or transport of docosahexaenoic acid, a fatty acid uniquely enriched in the photoreceptor outer segments.