To characterize and localize retinal voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and to understand its possible contribution to mitochondrial function and dysfunction.VDAC was characterized by a method involving purification from isolated mitochondria and reconstitution into a planar lipid bilayer (PLB). The permeability transition pore (PTP) was monitored by Ca(2+) accumulation in isolated mitochondria and swelling of mitochondria. Localization was studied by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization.Retinal VDACs exhibited the electrophysiological fingerprint of the VDAC superfamily. It had a maximal chord conductance of 3.7 +/- 0.1 nanosiemens (nS) in 1 M NaCl, and a voltage-dependent conductance that was highest at transmembrane potential close to zero. It was modulated by glutamate, which decreased the channel's open probability, and by La(3+) and ruthenium amine binuclear complex (Ru360), which closed the channel. Energized and freshly prepared retinal mitochondria accumulated Ca(2+) that is inhibited by La(3+) ruthenium red and Ru360. Subsequent to Ca(2+) accumulation, mitochondria released the accumulated Ca(2+), probably through activation of the PTP. Ru360 inhibited Ca(2+) release and mitochondrial swelling. VDAC was present in mitochondria of all retinal cell types: photoreceptor, bipolar, horizontal, amacrine, and ganglion cells. Most cells primarily expressed VDAC-1, but they also expressed VDAC-2 and -3.These results suggest that VDAC is involved in PTP activity and/or regulation and thus is an important player in retinal degeneration associated with PTP-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction.