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Saturday, August 20, 2005
Melanin's Protective Role in the Retina
Chemistry and medical researchers at the University of Chicago have worked together to learn more about the protective effect of melanin in the retina. The research may help scientists find a way to prevent age-related macular degeneration.
"... the team captured convincing and dramatic evidence that melanin protects the retinal cells. In the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences paper, published Wednesday, June 21, they show that increased melanin aggregation and radical migration within melanin aggregates can protect RPE cells from free-radical damage and help prevent cell death. In the Journal of the American Chemical Society paper, published Wednesday, Aug. 17, they demonstrate how melanin actually scavenges the harmful free radicals produced by high-energy blue or ultraviolet light as it flows into the eye, soaking them up and neutralizing their effects."
'After merging resources, chemist, retina surgeon see melanin?s value in new light', The University of Chicago Chronicle, 18 August 2005.
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