Immunocytochemical localization of retinoid-binding protein in the dogfish retina.
OBJECTIVE
The cellular localization of retinoid-binding proteins has been extensively studied in the mammalian retina. Less is known about the distribution and identity of retinoid-binding proteins in lower vertebrate retinas. To understand their cellular functions, we have examined the distribution of specific retinoid-binding proteins in the neural retina and RPE of an elasmobranch, the dogfish.


METHODS
Retinoid-binding proteins were localized in cryostat sections of dogfish eyes by the indirect immunofluorescence technique. We used well-characterized antibodies that have been previously employed for immunostaining. Immunoblotting was carried out to identify the antigen.


RESULTS
The studies show that the cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein is present in the RPE and retinal Müller cells, and the interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein is found in the interstitial space between pigment epithelium and retina.


CONCLUSIONS
The distribution of retinoid-binding proteins in dogfish retina is similar to that found in the mammalian retina which suggests that the sites of action of the retinoid-binding proteins are highly conserved in vertebrates.
Sarthy
V
V
Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Bickoff
C
C
D000818:Animals; D004284:Dogfish; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D015151:Immunoblotting; D012160:Retina / Q000737:chemistry*; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D000099214:Retinol-Binding Proteins, Interstitial
D005136:Eye Proteins; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins; D000099214:Retinol-Binding Proteins, Interstitial