Characterization of the interphotoreceptor matrix surrounding rod photoreceptors in the human retina.

Previous studies have documented the presence of specific lectin-binding domains in the insoluble interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) isolated from human retina. Peanut agglutinin (PNA) selectively binds to cone matrix domains whereas wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) binds to matrix domains surrounding rods. In the present study, the rod-associated WGA-binding domains are further characterized using lectin-based cytochemistry and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in combination with neuraminidase digestion. The lectin-binding patterns of non-neuraminidase-treated samples are similar to those described in previous reports. After neuraminidase treatment, both rod and cone matrix domains demonstrate PNA binding while the binding of WGA to rod matrix domains is reduced. However, the binding of WGA to photoreceptor outer segments is not affected by neuraminidase. Blots of IPM proteins probed with lectins indicate that the WGA-binding macromolecules are represented as a group of high molecular weight glycoproteins, whereas the PNA-binding components are represented as a group of lower molecular weight glycoproteins. The major WGA-binding glycoprotein (147 kDa) shows reduced binding affinity to WGA and increased binding affinity to PNA following neuraminidase treatment. Further, this 147-kDa glycoprotein, although similar in molecular weight to IRBP (interphotoreceptor retinol-binding protein) (141 kDa), is not recognized by the lectin, concanavalin A (Con A), or by an anti-IRBP antibody. Our data suggest that: (1) the major component of the WGA-binding domain demonstrated by polyacrylamide gel analysis is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 147 kDa containing galactose residues that are masked by terminal sialic acid residues; and (2) the binding of WGA to photoreceptor outer segments is resistant to neuraminidase, consistent with the earlier reports that WGA-binding domains of photoreceptor outer segments may not be sialyl-containing glycoconjugates.