Apolipoprotein E is synthesized in the retina by Müller glial cells, secreted into the vitreous, and rapidly transported into the optic nerve by retinal ganglion cells.

We have investigated the synthesis and transport of apoE, the major apolipoprotein of the central nervous system, in the retina of the living rabbit. Four hours after the injection of [35S]methionine/cysteine into the vitreous, 44% of [35S]Met/Cys-labeled apoE is in soluble and membrane-enclosed retinal fractions, while 50% is in the vitreous. A significant amount of intact [35S]Met/Cys-labeled apoE is rapidly transported into the optic nerve and its terminals in the lateral geniculate and superior colliculus within 3-6 h in two distinguishable vesicular compartments. Müller glia in cell culture also synthesize and secrete apoE. Taken together, these results suggest that apoE is synthesized by Müller glia and secreted into the vitreous. ApoE is also internalized by retinal ganglion cells and/or synthesized by these cells and rapidly transported into the optic nerve and brain as an intact molecule. We discuss the possible roles of retinal apoE in neuronal dynamics.