IMMUNO-CYTOCHEMICAL LOCALIZATION OF ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN IN THE DEVELOPING RAT-BRAIN

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 1  (2) , 107-111
Abstract
The immunocytochemical localization of the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), serum albumin (ALB), transferrin (T) and IgG in the developing rat brain was studied; indirect peroxidase technique using rabbit antibodies to AFP, ALB, Tf and IgG was employed followed by goat anti-rabbit Ig conjugated with peroxidase. Evidence of a high selective staining for AFP and ALB is presented. The pattern of morphological localization of both proteins was similar throughout fetal and postnatal development up to 20-25 days of age. Large areas and groups of cells in all regions of the brain appeared positively stained at a given moment in the development. The labeling was cytoplasmic and, in the neuronal elements, extended to their axonic and dentritic prolongations. The intracellular localization of AFP and ALB in the developing rat brain may be related to the binding affinity of these proteins for estrogens and/or essential fatty acids. Both proteins are apparently actively involved in the uptake of such substances by the cellular structures of the brain.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: