Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Protects Retinal Function and Structure in rd1 Mice

We explored the potential protective effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) on cone photoreceptor survival in a model of rapid retinal degeneration, the s-Pde6 rd1 (rd1) mouse model. We injected two strains of rd1 mice (B6.C3-Pde6b rd1 Hps4le/J and C57BL/6J-Pde6brd1−2/J mice) daily from postnatal day (P) 6 to P21 with TUDCA or vehicle. At P21, retinal function was evaluated with light-adapted electroretinography (ERG) and retinal structure was observed with plastic or frozen sections. TUDCA treatment partially preserved function and structure in B6.C3-Pde6b rd1 Hps4le/J mice but only partially preserved structure in C57BL/6J-Pde6brd1−2/J mice. Our results suggest a possible intervention for patients undergoing rapid retinal degeneration.