Question:

In Retinitis pigmentosa there is a decreased level of which of the following?

Show Hint

Think of the omega-3 fatty acid that fills photoreceptor outer segments.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Arachidonic acid
  • Trielonic acid
  • Thromboxane
  • Docosahexaenoic acid
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited progressive retinal dystrophies affecting the photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium, leading to night blindness and constricted visual fields.
Step 2: The outer segments of photoreceptors are extremely rich in long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, the most abundant being docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is essential for normal rod and cone membrane structure and function.
Step 3: In retinitis pigmentosa, blood and tissue levels of DHA are found to be reduced, which correlates with the photoreceptor degeneration seen in the disease.
Step 4: Arachidonic acid and thromboxane are eicosanoid pathway molecules not specifically depleted in RP, and trielonic acid is not a recognised relevant entity. Hence the decreased substance is docosahexaenoic acid, option (d).
Was this answer helpful?
0
0