Immunocytochemical localization of the sex hormone-binding globulin in a human hepatoma cell line.
The human hepatoma cell line HEP G2 was investigated in an indirect immunofluorescence study for localization of the sex hormone-binding globulin. Cells were grown directly to confluency on the slides used for the immunocytochemical staining. A fine granular cytoplasmatic fluorescence pattern revealed the presence of sex hormone-binding globulin. Chang-liver cells used as controls, incubated under the same conditions, did not fluoresce. The synthesis of the hormone-binding protein in HEP G2 cells, which could be stimulated by L-thyroxine in the culture medium, was monitored by either indirect immunofluorescence or by immunoradiometric determination of sex hormone-binding globulin in the supernatant. These studies demonstrate that immunofluorescence techniques are able to detect sex hormone-binding globulin in human hepatoma cells.