Vitamin C Crucial to Retina Function

BUENOS AIRESRetinal cells are loaded with GABA receptors, which are regulated by ascorbic acid, itself abundant in the retina, according to new collaborative research between U.S. and Argentine researchers. Their findings are published in the Journal of Neuroscience (2011; 31(26):9672-82).

Scientists from Oregon Health and Science University, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Universidad de Concepción explained ascorbic acid modulates the function of diverse proteins, and basal levels of ascorbic acid in the retina are very high, but ascorbic acids effect on retinal GABA receptors has not been studied. Their current research showed vitamin C regulates GABA (C) and GABA(A)receptors, and  modulates various activities of GABA(C) receptors in animal-based in vitro study. They further found an important role for vitamin C in GABA(A) receptor function and in retinal stem cells.

They concluded ascorbic acid may act as an endogenous agent capable of influencing GABA-ergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system. They speculated vitamin C may play a protective role in disease such as epilepsy and glaucoma, and a diet rich in vitamin C may help limit the risk of glaucoma.

http://www.jneurosci.org/content/31/26/9672.abstract