PubMed ID: 96039
Author(s): Dryja TP, O’Neil-Dryja M, Pawelek JM, Albert DM. Demonstration of tyrosinase in the adult bovine uveal tract and retinal pigment epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1978 Jun;17(6):511-4. PMID 96039
Journal: Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Volume 17, Issue 6, Jun 1978
Modern techniques offer an opportunity for a more complete evaluation of melanin production in the uvea and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). By measuring the release of tritium from tritiated tyrosine in homogenized samples of adult bovine RPE as well as iris and choroid, tyrosinase activity could be demonstrated in both the uveal tract and the RPE. Phenylthiourea, a specific tyrosinase inhibitor, markedly decreased tyrosinase activity, whereas 3-iodo-tyrosine, a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, had no effect. These techniques indicate tyrosinase activity in the uveal tract and the RPE of adult cattle. This is the first biochemical demonstration of tyrosinase in adult RPE.