The gamma-aminobutyric acid system in rabbit retina: localization by immunocytochemistry and autoradiography.

The localization of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons in the rabbit retina has been studied by immunocytochemical localization of the GABA-synthesizing enzyme L-glutamate decarboxylase (L-glutamate I-carboxy-lyase, EC 4.1.1.15) and by [3H]GABA uptake autoradiography. When Triton X-100 was included in immunocytochemical incubations with a modified protein A-peroxidase-antiperoxidase method, reaction product was found in four broad, evenly spaced laminae within the inner plexiform layer. In the absence of the detergent, these laminae were seen to be composed of small, punctate deposits. When colchicine was injected intravitreally before glutamate decarboxylase staining, cell bodies with the characteristic shape and location of amacrine cells were found to be immunochemically labeled. Intravitreally administered [3H]GABA produced a diffuse labeling of the inner plexiform layer and a dense labeling of certain amacrine cell bodies in the inner nuclear layer. Both immunocytochemical and autoradiographic results support the notion that certain, if not all, amacrine cells use GABA as their neurotransmitter.