PurposeThe cellular localization of retinoid-binding proteins has been extensively studied in the mammalian retina. Less is known about the distribution and identity of retinoid-binding proteins in lower vertebrate retinas. To understand their cellular functions, we have examined the distribution of specific retinoidbinding proteins in the neural retina and RPE of an elasmobranch, the dogfish.MethodsRetinoid-binding proteins were localized in cryostat sections of dogfish eyes by the indirect immunofluorescence technique. We used well-characterized antibodies that have been previously employed for immunostaining. Immunoblotting was carried out to identify the antigen.ResultsThe studies show that the cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein is present in the RPE and retinal Muller cells, and the interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein is found in the interstitial space between pigment epithelium and retina.ConclusionsThe distribution of retinoid-binding proteins in dogfish retina is similar to that found in the mammalian retina which suggests that the sites of action of the retinoid-binding proteins are highly conserved in vertebrates. Curr. Eye Res. 15: 905–907, 1996.