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Abstract
By its action on rhodopsin, light triggers the well-known visual transduction cascade,
but can also induce cell damage and death through phototoxic mechanisms - a comprehensive
understanding of which is still elusive despite more than 40 years of research. Herein,
we integrate recent experimental findings to address several hypotheses of retinal
light damage, premised in part on the close anatomical and metabolic relationships
between the photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium. We begin by reviewing
the salient features of light damage, recently joined by evidence for retinal remodeling
which has implications for the prognosis of recovery of function in retinal degenerations.
We then consider select factors that influence the progression of the damage process
and the extent of visual cell loss. Traditional, genetically modified, and emerging
animal models are discussed, with particular emphasis on cone visual cells. Exogenous
and endogenous retinal protective factors are explored, with implications for light
damage mechanisms and some suggested avenues for future research. Synergies are known
to exist between our long term light environment and photoreceptor cell death in retinal
disease. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of light damage in a variety of animal
models can provide valuable insights into the effects of light in clinical disorders
and may form the basis of future therapies to prevent or delay visual cell loss.
Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.