Distribution and synthesis of sulfated mucopolysaccharides in the retina of the rat

The distribution and synthesis of retinal mucopolysaccharides (MPS) in the rat have been studied by autoradiography, following injection of S-sulfate, supplemented by histochemical procedures. The results indicate that sulfated MPS occur in the plexiform and optic nerve fiber layers, but are most heavily concentrated in the photoreceptor zone. In this zone, production of MPS becomes significant when the rod outer segments start to develop. Sulfated MPS are synthesized in the region of the rod inner segments, and are subsequently displaced into the extracellular spaces between the outer segments, where they undergo rapid breakdoion. A considerable proportion of the retinal sulfated mucopolysaccharide in the rat is hyaluronidaselabile.