Tau-2 immunoreactivity of corpora amylacea in the human retina and optic nerve.

PURPOSE To characterize the constituents of corpora amylacea in the human retina and optic nerve. METHODS Immunohistochemistry was performed on sections of retina, optic nerve, and brain tissue using antibodies against tau 1, tau-2, and amyloid precursor protein. RESULTS Consistent anti-tau-2 immunoreactivity was noted in the corpora amylacea in the retina, optic nerve, and brain tissue, albeit with variations in pattern and intensity of staining. No immunoreactivity was observed with antibodies anti-tau 1 and anti-amyloid precursor protein. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest the accumulation of possibly abnormal tau-2 within the corpora amylacea, which may be either astrocytic or axonal in origin.