Retinal photoreceptor neurons and pinealocytes accumulate mRNA for interphotoreceptor retinoid‐binding protein (IRBP)

Abstract

We have utilized cDNA probes and in situ hybridization techniques to define the subcellular localization of interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) mRNA in bovine and monkey retinas. Results suggest that the mRNA is mainly localized in rod photoreceptor neurons within the outer nuclear layer of the retina. IRBP mRNA is also abundant in cells of the pineal gland, strengthening the analogy between rod photoreceptor cells and pinealocytes.