Müller cells in the human foveal region

Abstract

Purpose. To investigate the distribution of Müller cells in the foveal region of the human retina. Methods. After fixation with 4% glutaraldehyde, the percentages of the area of Müller cells were calculated at the macula, posterior pole, equator, and periphery by electron microscopy. After fixation with 4% paraformaldehyde, the silver enhancing technique was applied to show glutamine synthetase (GS) and L-glutamate/L-apartate transporter (GLAST). Furthermore, for the solubilized retinas at each region, Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to detect GS and GLAST in the extracts. Results. The percentages of the area of Müller cells in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) were 12.3 ± 2.7, 22.1 ± 4.5, 23.6 ± 1, and 26.7 ± 4.5%, respectively. We confirmed less GS and GLAST immunoreactivity in the foveal region. ELISA and Western blot analysis revealed that the amounts of GS and GLAST in the foveal region were smaller than those in any other region. Conclusions. These results showed that the density of Müller cells is low in the foveal region.