Localization of nervous system antigens in retina by immunohistology.

Several antigens expressed in the nervous system 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 nervous system-3, -4, and -7 antigens (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 two 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 have become NF-positive.