Immunocytochemical localization of ornithine aminotransferase in rat ocular tissues.

Gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina is a rare inherited form of chorioretinal degeneration due to a deficiency of ornithine aminotransferase (OAT). We localized the enzyme in rat ocular tissues using immunocytochemical procedures. Immunoreactivity was observed in the epithelia of ciliary body, iris, and lens. Retinal pigment epithelium and Müller cells were immunoreactive in the retina. A little immunoreactive product was found in the choroid. Our findings suggested that OAT plays an important role in ornithine metabolism in these ocular tissues.