Localization of S-100 protein in Müller cells of the retina--1. Light microscopical immunocytochemistry.

S-100 is an acidic brain protein previously found to be present in glial cells of the brain and the nervous system of gut and respiratory tract. Immunocytochemistry at the light microscopical level localized immunoreactivity for S-100 in the Müller cells in the retina of rat, guinea pig, and Chinese hamster. The Müller cells represent the main glial component of the retina, with a structural role in the support and insulation of neurons and sensory elements. The use of S-100 protein as an immunocytochemical marker of Müller cells may be useful in the study of pathologic conditions of the retina where glial cell proliferation could reflect the index of neuronal injury.