Steroid metabolizing enzymes in the rat retina : immunohistochemical study.

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Neurosteroids are synthesized from cholesterol or other steroidal precursors and affect neuronal functions by modulating neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Recent studies have shown that neurosteroids are produced also in the retina. However, it is unclear where the enzymes are located in the retina and how they contribute to retinal physiology. Here, we investigated the localization of steroid metabolizing enzymes in the developing and adult rat retina by using immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies. Furthermore, to evaluate the developing expression of the enzymes in the retina, we carried out reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.