ULTRASTRUCTURAL LOCALIZATION OF IGA GLOBULINS IN NORMAL AND CELIAC INTESTINAL-MUCOSA USING IMMUNOENZYMATIC METHODS

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  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 24  (6) , 425-434
Abstract
Using peroxidase-labeled antibodies, the ultrastructural localization of Ig[immunoglobulin]A in duodeno-jejunal biopsies from children with active celiac disease was investigated. Satisfactory penetration of conjugates was achieved by 20 h-fixation in 4% formaldehyde and 8 h-incubation of thick frozen sections in the presence of peroxidase-labeled anti-human .alpha. H chain antibody under continuous mild agitation. In normal duodeno-jejunal mucosa, deposits of IgA were observed at the ultrastructural level in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the perinuclear space of plasma cells and on lateral cell membranes of villous and crypt epithelial cells. In celiac mucosa, immunoelectron microscopic studies confirmed the increased cell density of IgA immunocytes and revealed heavy deposits of IgA on the basement membrane of surface epithelial cells and the wall of neighboring blood vessels.