ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Blood group antigens
;
Cochlea
;
Hair cells
;
Development, ontogenetic
;
Rat (Sprague-Dawley)
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The presence of human blood-group antigens was analyzed in the rat cochlea during its postnatal development, using anti-A, anti-B and anti-H antibodies. At no stage was reactivity with anti-A antibody observed. With the anti-H antibody, a strong reactivity was observed from 1 to 9 days after birth within hair cells and some other surface epithelial cells of the cochlear duct. After postnatal day 9, only a faint reactivity persisted in a few non-sensory cells. With the anti-B antibody, only hair cells were selectively labeled. At early stages (postnatal day 1 and 3), the reactivity was intense and observed both around the cell surface and within the supranuclear region of cytoplasm. Later on, the reactivity decreased; it was limited at postnatal day 9 to a reactive spot below the cuticular plate. Results are compared with a preliminary finding describing the first appearance of B and H antigens in the organ of Corti at a prenatal stage, and with data concerning other sensory and neural structures. The appearance and progressive disappearance of B and H antigens on sensory and non-sensory cells can be correlated with significant events in the development of the cochlea. The transient expression of B and H antigens in cochlear sensory cells may correspond to developmental changes in their surface glycoconjugates.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00221629
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