Taurine prevents ultraviolet B induced apoptosis in retinal ganglion cells.

BACKGROUND

Compatible osmolytes accumulation is an active resistance response in retina under ultraviolet (UV) radiation and hypertonicity conditions.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this research is to investigate the protective role of taurine on retina under UVB radiation.

METHODS

Osmolytes transporters were measured by quantitative realtime PCR. Osmolytes uptake was estimated by radioimmunoassay. Cell viability was calculated by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry analysis.

RESULTS

Hypertonicity accelerated osmolytes uptake into retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) including taurine, betadine, and myoinositol. UVB radiation increased osmolytes transporter expression and osmolytes uptake. In addition, osmolyte taurine remarkably prevented UVB radiation induced cell apoptosis in RGCs.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of compatible osmolyte taurine on cell survival rate may play an important role in cell resistance and adaption to UVB exposure.