ISSN:
1432-2307
Keywords:
Transforming growth factor-α
;
Human tissues
;
Immunohistochemistry
;
Northern blotting
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The expression of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α) was examined in various human tissues and the fetus, using immunohistochemistry and Northern blot analysis. TGF-α immunoreactivity was detected mainly in the epithelial cells of the digestive tract, liver, pancreas, kidney, thyroid, adrenal, skin, mammary gland and genital organs. In the digestive tract, epithelial cells with regenerative change or hyperplastic change showed strong immunoreactivity to TGF-α. Peripheral nerve, vessels, megakaryocytes and macrophages in the lung and spleen were also positive for TGF-α. By Northern blot analysis the expression of TGF-α mRNA was confirmed in the digestive tract, salivary gland, thyroid, kidney and mammary gland. In the human fetus, the nerve tissues, liver, adrenal and kidney were positive for TGF-α. Strong immunoreactivity to TGF-α was observed in the hepatocytes of the fetus. These findings indicate that TGF-α is produced by a variety of nonneoplastic cells in both adult and fetal tissues.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01606881
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