Immunohistochemical localization of glial fibrillary acidic protein in the retinas of some amphibian, reptilian, birds, and mammals species.

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry staining is specific to glial cell intermediate filaments. GFAP has been reported in some diseases related to injury of central nervous system. The actual normal biological function of GFAP in the retinas of some vertebrates is still under investigation. The current study examines the distribution of GFAP in the retinas of various species of amphibian, reptilian, birds, and mammals by immunohistochemical technique. The results indicated that GFAP localization in the retina is related to specific species. Unique, homogeneous GFAP labelling was observed in Chalcides ocellatus retina, which was different from other studied reptiles (Trachemys scripta elegans, Uromastyx aegyptius, Ptyodactylus hasselquistii, Acanthodactylus boskianus, Scincus mitranus). Low GFAP labelling was noted in the retinas of birds and some species of the studied mammals (Jaculus jaculus, Rousettus egyptiacus, and Mesocricetus auratus). However, other studied mammals (Mus musculus, Acomys russatus, Paraechinus aethiopicus) showed different intensities of GFAP expression. The study finds that GFAP helps to clarify the potential function of Müller cells in the regeneration process in different species.