We employed a monoclonal antibody to cellular retinoic acid-binding protein (CRABP) to assess the presence and localization of this retinoid-binding protein in the lacrimal gland of the rat. Immunoblots of extracts of rat lacrimal gland showed specific immunostaining of lacrimal CRABP in the region 14-16 kDa. Sections of rat lacrimal glands that were stained with anti-CRABP antibodies showed reaction product in the cytoplasm of the acinar cells. Retinoic acid may play a role in maintaining the proper function of lacrimal gland cells.