AE3 anion exchanger isoforms in the vertebrate retina: developmental regulation and differential expression in neurons and glia.

Plasma membrane anion exchangers constitute a multigene family that contributes to the regulation of intracellular pH and chloride concentration in many cell types. We have characterized two polypeptide isoforms of the AE3 gene that are expressed in the rat retina. Using antipeptide antibodies specific for defined NH2-terminal and COOH-terminal epitopes, we have identified a 165 kDa polypeptide whose expression is restricted to the primary glial cell type of the retina, the Müller cell, and a 125 kDa polypeptide that is expressed in horizontal neurons. Expression of the Müller cell isoform exhibits a polarized distribution and is highest in basal endfoot processes. These AE3 isoforms exhibit a distinct developmental expression pattern in postnatal rat retina. The neuronal isoform is undetectable in neonatal retina until postnatal day 10-15, correlating strongly with the onset of retinal function.