Department of Chemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman 59717.
The carotenoid pigments in the whole human retina and in the macular region were
measured quantitatively by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Approximately a five-fold larger amount of carotenoids was found in the human
macula (35-120 ng) than in previously reported work. The dominant carotenoids in
the whole retina are lutein and zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin is concentrated in the
macular region, whereas lutein is dispersed throughout the entire retina.
Contrary to prior reports, substantial quantities of both carotenoids are
present in the infant retina. Increasing variability is observed in carotenoid
levels between individuals with advancing age, and some older individuals show
very high whole retina carotenoid levels. These quantitative studies were made
possible by synthesis of a new, stable carotenoid internal standard. Carotenoids
have been proposed to be potent antioxidants, protecting membrane lipids from
toxic peroxidation reactions. The method presented in this study will facilitate
quantitative investigations of the association between carotenoid levels and
health and disease of the retina.
