LOCALIZATION OF NERVOUS-SYSTEM ANTIGENS IN RETINA BY IMMUNOHISTOLOGY

Abstract

Several antigens expressed in the nervous system [NS] were localized in tissue sections of developing and adult mouse retina by indirect immunofluorescence. Two antigens expressed in oligodendrocytes, basic protein of myelin and NS-1 are not detectable. Antisera against NS-3, NS-4 and NS-7 give a uniformly intense reaction on all retinal cell structures. Large external transformation-sensitive (LETS) protein is present on blood vessels. Glial fibrillary acidic (GFA) protein is absent at birth but is found after day 4 in cells of the ganglion cell and nerve fiber layers. GFA protein-positive cells extend in parallel from inner to outer limiting membranes only at the ora serrata and around the optic nerve. No other glial elements contain GFA antigen, suggesting 2 distinct populations of astrocytes. Neurofilament (NF) protein-positive cells are present in the adult retina in outer plexiform and ganglion cell layers. By day 4 the ganglion cell layer and the ependymal zone become NF-positive.