ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Cysteine protease
;
Epidermal cells
;
Antigen localization
;
Cell differentiation
;
Antigen distribution
;
Rat
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Monospecific antibody directed to cysteine protease of 2-day-old rat epidermis recently characterized as being different from the proteases previously reported was produced in rabbits. By immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoperoxidase staining with an avidin-biotin-peroxidase method the protease was found to be present in the epidermis of rodents of different ages as well as that of humans, but not in the dermis. The staining in germinative cells was more intense than in cells in the superficial layers. It appeared as irregular patches in the nuclei and stained more diffusely in the cytoplasm where small granular components, strongly stained, were identified. The staining patterns in granular cells showed accumulation of the antigen in a granular form. The morphology and distribution of granules resembled those of keratohyalin-like granules in the nucleus and dense homogenous deposits in the cytoplasm. In cornified cells the reaction product was localized by the plasma membrane where concentration of the dense homogenous deposits occurred, suggesting that the cysteine protease is one component of the unique and characteristic structure of differentiated keratinocytes. In addition, the cysteine protease antigen having the same molecular weight as the epidermal enzyme was detected in liver, kidney and lung indicating a wider tissue distribution of the protease. The significance of the protease in regulation of cellular functions remains to be investigated.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00222354
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