L-cystein protects the pigment epithelium from acute sodium iodate toxicity.

Intravenous sodium iodate damages the retinal pigment epithelium, causing immediate loss of the electroretinogram c-wave and eventual pigmentary retinopathy. L-cystein, an agent that enhances the c-wave, has been reported to prevent the late development of pigmentary degeneration. We found in rabbits that L-cystein given 30 min before, or simultaneously with (but not 30 min after) sodium iodate also blocks the loss of the c-wave. This result occurred at doses of L-cystein lower than those needed to produce enhancement of the c-wave, suggesting that these two actions of L-cystein may be independent. The iodate-blocking action of L-cystein may depend on chemical interaction.