AlltransRetinsäureTherapie

Alltransretinol, also known as retinaldehyde, is a compound that plays a crucial role in vision and cellular function. It is a form of vitamin A that is found in the retina of the eye. Within the retina, alltransretinol undergoes a series of chemical transformations that are essential for the process of phototransduction, which is how light is converted into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as vision. Specifically, alltransretinol is a component of rhodopsin, the light-sensitive pigment in rod cells. When light strikes rhodopsin, alltransretinol changes its shape from a bent (cis) form to a straight (trans) form. This shape change triggers a cascade of events that ultimately leads to a nerve impulse.

Beyond its role in vision, alltransretinol is also a precursor to retinoic acid, another important derivative of vitamin A. Retinoic acid is a potent signaling molecule that regulates gene expression and is involved in a wide range of cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. This makes alltransretinol and its derivatives vital for maintaining healthy skin, immune function, and embryonic development. Dietary sources of vitamin A, such as liver, dairy products, and certain vegetables, are converted by the body into alltransretinol and subsequently into other active forms of vitamin A. Deficiency in vitamin A can lead to vision problems, including night blindness, as well as other health issues.