Cytochemical localization of 5'-nucleotidase activity in retinal photoreceptor cells.

Further cytochemical studies on the ultrastructural localization of 5'-nucleotidase in the rat retina have revealed activity to be associated with the complex synapses formed by the rod spherules of the receptors and the bipolar and horizontal cell processes. Activity was also seen on the axolemma of receptor fibers. In the rod inner segment strong reaction product is located intracellularly. In the rod outer segment the enzyme appears to be located only on the cytoplasmic side of the disc membrane and not intradiscally . Retinal pigment cells are rich in 5'-nucleotidase. Their microvilli accompany the tips of the receptor cells and show enzyme activity in an ecto position. A role for 5'-nucleotidase is possible in the metabolism of guanylate and adenylate nucleotides both of which are important for visual transduction processes.