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L G Poels

Publications and source records attributed to L G Poels.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Comparative immunohistochemical study of four monoclonal antibodies directed against ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens.

The monoclonal antibodies OC 125, OV-TL 3, MOv 18, and OV-TL 23, which are directed against distinct ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens, are assessed in the present study for their diagnostic value. The expression of the antigens defined by these was studied in serial sections from 80 ovarian carcinomas and 103 nonovarian carcinomas obtained from 183 patients, using the immunoperoxidase technique. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that the antigens were all localized on the tumor cell membrane. OC 125, OV-TL 3, and MOv 18 reacted positively with approximately 90% of the ovarian carcinoma samples (n = 80), whereas OV-TL 23 stained 76% of these samples. OC 125, OV-TL 3, and MOv 18 were also reactive with a majority of carcinomas derived from the cervix, endometrium and fallopian tube, while OV-TL 23 reactivity was primarily restricted to ovarian carcinomas. OC 125 and OV-TL 3 reacted respectively with 11% and 14% of the nongynecologic carcinomas tested (n = 64). Positive cases included breast, colon, and lung carcinomas. The antibodies MOv 18 and OV-TL 23 were found less reactive with nongynecologic carcinomas.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Marker profile of different phases in the transition of normal human ovarian epithelium to ovarian carcinomas.

To investigate whether early changes in the transformation of normal ovarian epithelial cells into tumor cells can be detected with monoclonal antibodies, a comparative immunohistochemical study was performed on normal human ovarian mesothelial cells, cystomas, cystadenomas, ovarian carcinomas, as well as granulosa cell tumor. Using monoclonal antibodies against different keratin subtypes, it was shown that mesothelial cells, ovarian cysts, cystadenomas, and carcinomas all reacted positively with broad-spectrum anti-keratin monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), as well as with MAbs to keratins 7, 8, 18, and 19. Keratins 4 and 13 were not found in mesothelial cells, but positive groups of cells were identified in several cystomas, adenomas, and carcinomas. While mesothelial cells did not react with the pan-epithelial marker BW495/36, invaginating metaplastic mesothelial cells, inclusion cysts, cystomas, adenomas, and carcinomas showed an increasing reactivity with BW495/36, with an increasing degree of malignancy. The reactivity of MAbs against ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens (OV-TL 3, OC 125, MOv 18, and OV-TL 10) was limited to weak staining reaction in some mesothelial cells but were found to be positive on more than 50% of the ovarian cystadenomas and more than 90% of the ovarian carcinomas. Thecal and granulosa cells of primordial, primary, and secondary follicles all reacted positively with antibodies to the broad-spectrum keratins OV-TL 12/5 and RCK 102, and to keratins 8 and 18, but not with keratins 4, 7, 13, and 19. These keratins decreased or disappeared in granulosa cells of mature follicles (Graafian follicles), whereas granulosa cell tumors did not react with anti-keratin antibodies. The reactivity of BW 495/36 was negative or limited to traces in some granulosa cells. Ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens were not expressed in granulosa cells or granulosa cell tumors. The data indicate that mesothelial cells undergoing metaplastic changes finally resulting in ovarian cystadenomas (and carcinomas) initiate the synthesis of a 200-kd glycoprotein recognized by MAb (BW 495/36), the production of ovarian carcinoma associated antigens, in addition to focal production of keratin 4 and/or 13, as seen in several samples. The granulosa cell tumors decrease or switch off their keratin production and remain negative for the 200-kd glycoprotein and the ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens.

Adenoma↗

Cell lines of human oral squamous-cell carcinomas retaining their differentiated phenotype.

Two cell lines from head-and-neck squamous-cell carcinomas (SCC) have been established and characterized. Cell line R105 was derived from a xenografted SCC of the floor of the mouth and cell line T87/rc from a SCC of the epiglottis. Identification of individual cytokeratins 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 18 and 19 led to the conclusion that both cell types had squamous characteristics and that keratinization occurred in xenografts. Ultrastructurally, junctional complexes were observed in both cell lines. Characteristic marker chromosomes were found and although both cell lines were derived from male patients, the Y chromosome was missing from all examined cells. The basic biological parameters of both cell lines were modal chromosome numbers of 59 (R105) and 60 (T87/rc), a doubling time of 60 (R105) and 45 hr (T87/rc) and a DNA index of 1.54 (R105) and 1.31 (T87/rc). The tumorigenicity of the 2 cell lines was proved by the ability to form colonies on a plastic substratum, as well as in a soft agar assay. Furthermore, the cells could produce multi-cellular tumour spheroids, and formed tumour nodules after subcutaneous inoculation into nude mice. The R105 tumour cells appeared to be better differentiated than the T87/rc as observed by histology and immuno(histo)chemistry. Both cell lines appear to retain SCC differentiation after being xenografted into nude mice, cultured for more than 40 passages in vitro and thereafter again xenografted into nude mice.

Animals↗

Major histocompatibility complex class II antigen expression during potentiation of line-10 tumor immunity after intralesional administration of bacillus Calmette-Guérin.

Intralesional injection of BCG into an established line-10 hepatocellular carcinoma in the strain-2 guinea pig causes regression of the tumor and induction of line-10 immunity. We found that the animals were already protected for a second challenge with line-10 tumor cells 7 days after BCG treatment. We studied whether this early induction of immunity was correlated with the expression of MHC class II antigens on line-10 tumor cells and was correlated with an increased expression of MHC class II antigens on leukocytes in the primary tumor and in the regional lymph node (Ln. axillaris accessorius). The MHC class II antigens and the leukocyte subpopulations were measured with monoclonal antibodies and flow cytofluorometry. In the draining lymph node the number of nucleated cells increased about 10-fold during the first 5 days after intralesional injection of BCG. At this time the MHC class II antigen expression of these cells was increased from 21%-32% in the naive controls to 39%-53% in animals with BCG-treated tumors. This implies that the number of MHC-class-II-positive cells increased about 20-fold in the draining lymph node. Surprisingly, the increase in percentage of MHC-class-II-antigen-positive cells was mainly due to an increase of IgM-positive B cells from 8%-11% to 22%-41% and an increase of IgG-positive B cells from 7%-27% to 25%-44%. In the tumor, BCG treatment induced a small increase of MHC-class-II-antigen-positive cells from 11%-12% to 15%-20%. Probably this increase came not from tumor cells but mainly from a BCG-induced infiltration of mononuclear cells, as an increase of T cells from 14% to 20%, an increase of macrophages from 8% to 18%, and an increase of B cells from 0 to 6% was observed. We conclude that the potentiation of anti-(line-10 tumor cell) immunity correlated with a 20-fold increase of MHC-class-II-antigen-positive cells in the lymph nodes and a small increase in the number of MHC-class-II-antigen-positive tumor-infiltrating cells.

Animals↗

Tumor infiltrating leukocytes (tils) during progressive tumor growth and BCG-mediated tumor regression.

Tumor regression was induced by intralesional injection with BCG, 7 days after inoculation of line 10 hepatocellular carcinoma cells into strain 2 guinea pigs. Tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILS) were characterized immunohistochemically with 11 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) during the induction phase of line 10-immunity, and during immune-mediated regression of the tumor, at days 12 and 28 after tumor cell inoculation, respectively. At day 5 after BCG-injection (day 12 after tumor cell inoculation), there were no major differences between the TIL subpopulations of the BCG-treated and untreated tumors. The TILS were mainly T-cells, as identified by MoAbs against Pan T-cells (CT5), T-cytotoxic/suppressor cells (CT6) and T-helper/inducer cells (H155). A limited number of macrophages was also present. However, at day 21 after BCG-treatment (28 days after tumor cell inoculation), the fibrous stroma was increased dramatically in most of the BCG-treated tumors, and as a result, the tumor cell islets were smaller than in control tumors. In the BCG treated tumors, the numbers of T-cells and macrophages were increased. In growing and regressing tumors, MHC class I and II antigens were strongly expressed in TILS and in the tumor stroma. Line 10 tumor cells prior to inoculation expressed no MHC class I or II antigens. In the centers of the tumor islets at days 12 and 28, expression of these antigens was not found. However, MHC class I and II antigens were expressed on tumor cells at sites where they lay close to the fibrous stroma or TILS. This observation was made in progressively growing tumors and was most apparent in BCG-treated tumors.

Animals↗

Monoclonal antibodies that discriminate between human ovarian carcinomas and benign ovarian tumours.

Three hybridoma cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against ovarian carcinomas were obtained after immunizing mice with an undifferentiated human ovarian cystadenocarcinoma extract. The hybridoma cell supernatants were initially screened for a positive immunohistochemical reaction with ovarian carcinomas concomitant with a negative reactivity with a benign ovarian cystadenoma. The antibodies OV-TL 15 (IgM), OV-TL 30 (IgG1) and OV-TL 31 (IgM) reacted positively with 84, 84 and 74% of the ovarian carcinoma samples (n = 76) respectively. Reactivity with ovarian cysts and cystadenomas (n = 21), with non-ovarian carcinomas (n = 77) and with normal human tissue samples (n = 63) was absent or limited to weak reactivity on incidental samples. All three antibodies were shown by immunoelectron microscopy to react with surface antigens (OA 15, OA 30 and OA 31) of ovarian carcinoma cells. Cross reactivity between OV-TL 15, OV-TL 30, OV-TL 31 and OC 125 monoclonal antibodies was excluded by competitive binding assays on NIH:OVCAR-3 cells. Antigen levels (OA 15 and OA 31) in tumour extracts and cyst fluids were quantified by immunoradiometric assays and compared to the CA 125 antigen levels. High levels of CA 125, OA 15 and OA 31 were found in cyst fluids from ovarian cancers. In benign ovarian cyst fluids, however, the CA 125 content was also high while OA 15 antigen was hardly detectable. The OA 31 antigen was present at relatively low levels. The IRMA data confirmed the immunohistochemical data showing that, in contrast to OC 125, the newly developed MAbs OV-TL 15, OV-TL 30 and OV-TL 31 discriminate between benign ovarian cystadenomas and malignant ovarian cancers.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Immunoscintigraphy of ovarian cancer with indium-111-labeled OV-TL 3 F(ab')2 monoclonal antibody.

The safety and diagnostic accuracy of immunoscintigraphy with the indium-111-labeled monoclonal antibody OV-TL 3 F(ab')2(111In-OV-TL 3 F(ab')2) for diagnosis and follow-up of ovarian cancer was prospectively studied in 31 patients. Planar and SPECT scintigraphy were performed up to 4 days after i.v. injection of 140 MBq 111In-OV-TL 3 F(ab')2. Surgical evaluation was possible in 22 out of 31 patients. Imaging results were compared with X-ray computed tomography, ultrasound, and CA 125 serum level using the histologically confirmed surgical findings as a "gold standard." Apart from a transient rash observed in two patients, no other immediate or delayed adverse reactions were observed. Within the surgically evaluated group, ovarian cancer lesions were detected in 16 out of 17 patients (94%). Of 45 distinct tumor deposits found at operation, 67% were detected and localized with immunoscintigraphy while X-ray computed tomography and ultrasound visualized 53% and 23%, respectively.

Adult↗

Heterophilic antibodies in human sera causing falsely increased results in the CA 125 immunofluorometric assay.

An in-house OC 125 monoclonal antibody-based "sandwich" immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) described previously (Clin Chem 1987; 33:2191-4) gave higher results for CA 125 in 37 of 123 serum samples than did a commercially available immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). Discordant results between the two assays became concordant when measurements of the samples were repeated with normal mouse serum (100 mL/L) included in the IFMA reagent. The murine immunoglobulins are thought to block the ability of the heterophilic antibodies in the human serum samples to cross-link the labeled antibody with the solid-phase antibody. Using an enzyme immunoassay, we demonstrated human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) in most of the discordant samples examined. We tested the ability of nonimmune sera from other animal species to lower the apparent CA 125 concentrations of the spurious samples and observed that rat, goat, and sheep serum were less effective than mouse serum. One serum sample was discovered to give a falsely increased CA 125 result with the IRMA, but this increase could be prevented by adding murine serum to the IRMA reagent. We conclude that falsely increased CA 125 results are best prevented by adding murine serum (or murine antibodies) to the assay buffer.

Antibodies, Heterophile↗

Marker profile of mesothelial cells versus ovarian carcinoma cells.

We investigated the marker profile of human ascitic and cultured mesothelial cells, and compared it to that of ovarian carcinoma cells which are related in terms of their histogenesis, unrelated colon carcinomas being used as reference. Mesothelial and ovarian carcinoma cells could not be distinguished by (intermediate) filament typing, using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to keratins, vimentins and desmins. Colon carcinomas differed from mesothelial cells and ovarian carcinomas by the absence of keratin-7 filaments. The epithelial marker BW 495/36 was completely negative on mesothelial cells and positive on all ovarian and colon carcinoma cells. While CEA was found on about 85% of all colon carcinomas, CEA expression on mesothelial cells and ovarian carcinoma cells was below 20%. The ovarian carcinoma markers (OV-TL 3, OV-TL 10, OC 125, MOV 18) were strongly positive on ovarian carcinomas and negative on colon carcinomas (or limited to traces of immunofluorescence on some samples). Although the mesothelial cells showed weak or negative reactivity with these markers, OC 125 antigen was found by immunoelectron microscopy on the surface of cultured mesothelial cells, and was shed in the culture supernatant at concentrations of 50, 28, and 25 CA 125 U/ml/10(4) positive cells. This suggests that mesothelial cells may be responsible for the synthesis of CA 125 in ascitic fluid. The data indicate that ovarian carcinomas, mesothelial cells and colon carcinomas can be distinguished using a combination of anti-keratin antibodies with BW 495/36 and anti-ovarian carcinoma markers.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

ETN-1: a new human endometrial carcinoma cell line producing ascites and distant metastases in nude mice.

A human carcinoma cell line (ETN-1) has been established from a skin metastasis of a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of endometrial origin. The cell line has been so far maintained for 27 months through 55 passages, growing as a monolayer as well as in 3-dimensional clusters with a population doubling time of 72 hr. The number of chromosomes per cell varied from 39 to 107 (average number 61.0 +/- 19.8), with a modal number of 46-48. Seven clonal marker chromosomes were detected. Flow cytometric analysis revealed a population of pseudo-tetraploid cells (DNA index 2.1) next to a pseudo-diploid population (DNA index 1.1). The epithelial character of the cells was confirmed by a positive immunocytochemical reaction using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to different keratins, the epithelial cell markers BW 495/36 and HMFG-2, as well as by the presence of many junctional complexes. The tumour cells retained a positive reaction with the anti-ovarian carcinoma OV-TL 3, OV-TL 10 and OC 125 MAbs, although the reaction was markedly diminished in comparison with the original tumour. Tumour cells inoculated subcutaneously in nude mice produced well differentiated adenomatous tumour nodules with formation of glandular lumina and basal lamina. Tumour cells injected intraperitoneally produced malignant ascites and regional as well as distant metastases of adenomatous character.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Changing tumour antigen expression in metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma cells of the guinea pig.

Hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Line-10), obtained from ascitic fluid after diethylnitrosamine treatment of Sewall Wright strain-2 guinea pigs, produce solid (primary) tumours, lymph-node and lung metastases and malignant ascites when reinjected into animals of the same strain. Monoclonal antibodies were raised against the tumour cells by immunizing BALB/c mice with viable ascitic hepatocellular Line-10 tumour cells. Three hybridomas producing anti-Line-10 monoclonal antibodies were selected for further studies (10TL1, 10TL40 and 10TL43) and compared with monoclonal antibodies against intermediate filament keratins. The anti-Line-10 monoclonal antibodies did not cross react with Line-1 hepatocellular carcinoma cells, nor with normal guinea pig hepatocytes. When ascitic Line-10 cells form high papillary projections on the peritoneal surface, they significantly reduced their antigen expression of 10TL40 and of 10TL43 defined antigens, while the expression of 10TL1 defined antigens remained unaltered. Invading Line-10 cells in the deep submesothelial stromal tissue, however, lost reactivity with MoAb 10TL43 but not with the MoAb's 10TL40 and 10TL1. The antigens on lung- and lymphnode metastases remained largely unaffected. The reactivity with MoAb's 10TL40 and with 10TL43 was also lost upon prolonged culturing of Line-10 cells. The reactivity of Line-10 and Line-1 cells with all monoclonal antibodies against keratin filaments remained unaltered. Line-1 cells could be distinguished from Line-10 cells by the absence of any reactivity with the MoAb's 10TL1, -40, -43, but also by the fact that 100% of the Line-1 cells were positive with antibodies against keratins 5/8, 18, and 7.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Characterization of a hormone-producing ovarian carcinoma cell line.

An ovarian carcinoma cell line (OTN 11) was produced from the ascitic fluid of a patient with a moderately to well differentiated papilliferous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary. The cell line was characterized using electron microscopy karyotyping, immunohistochemical techniques with monoclonal antibodies against keratins as epithelial markers, and the monoclonal antibodies OV-TL 3 and OC 125 as ovarian carcinoma markers. These techniques revealed the epithelial and adenocarcinomatous nature of the cell line and the presence of ovarian carcinoma-related surface markers. The adenocarcinomatous nature of the cell line also became apparent after heterotransplantation of cell suspensions into nude mice and nude rats, in which adenomatous tumor structures were formed. These xenografts had the same ultrastructural and immunohistochemical properties as the cell line. Despite the adenocarcinomatous character of the tumor the cultured cells release estradiol into the culture medium. We may conclude that OTN 11 is an ovarian carcinoma cell line which has retained highly differentiated functions, such as the production of an ovarian hormone.

Adult↗

Characterization of a human ovarian carcinoma cell line, OTN 14, derived from a mucinous cystadenocarcinoma.

A human ovarian carcinoma cell line, OTN 14, has been established from malignant ascitic fluid of a patient with a well-differentiated mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the left ovary. The cell line has been maintained in vitro for 6 months through 23 passages, growing in monolayers as well as in 3-dimensional clusters, with a population doubling time of 28 1/2 hr. The number of chromosomes per cell varied from 67 to 88, with a modal number of 86. Two characteristic marker chromosomes were recognized, consisting of partially deleted chromosome I. With a DNA index of 1.934 the tumour cell line was near tetraploid. The epithelial character of the OTN 14 cells was confirmed by a positive immunofluorescence reaction with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against different keratins, and when (immuno)electron microscopy was used, keratin filaments and small junctional complexes were observed. Vimentin was also expressed in these cells, while desmin was not detected. Cultured tumour cells reacted (weakly) positive with MAb OV-TL 3 as a marker for ovarian carcinomas, while reactivity with the anti-ovarian carcinoma MAb OC 125 was limited to a few cells, not permitting the detection of shed CA 125 antigen in the culture supernatant. Cells stained heterogeneously positive for CEA marker BW 431/31, the presence of which was confirmed by detection of CEA shed into the culture medium. The cell line released estradiol at a concentration of 130,000 pmol/L in the culture medium, while no progesterone or dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate were found. Electron microscopical evidence for steroid production was suggested in some cells showing "dense-core" vesicles near the Golgi areas. The OTN 14 tumour cells formed poorly differentiated tumour nodules in nude mice, and metastatic cells were also found in blood capillaries. Cell types with mucinous as well as endocrine characteristics were found.

Animals↗

Clinical applications of monoclonal antibodies against ovarian cancer-associated antigens.

Monoclonal antibodies (McAbs), reactive with tumour-associated antigens (TAAs) present on tumour cells, appear to offer new possibilities in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer (Table I). In addition to these prospects for clinical application, monoclonal antibodies also serve as useful instruments in basic cancer research. The hybridoma technology initiated by Köhler and Milstein in 1975, underwent a very rapid development and has now shown its potential in the field of oncology. This technique made it possible to produce very large quantities of homogeneous antibodies of a stable quality. These McAbs often recognize only one antigenic determinant, or epitope, of cell surface and other molecules. This high specificity is essential for in vivo applications, especially in therapeutic immunotargeting. A central question is whether the antibodies can reach and identify those antigens on ovarian tumour cells that are not shared with normal tissues. Various antibodies have been described in the field of gynaecological oncology, which are assumed to be capable of recognizing such ovarian tumour-related antigens. These McAbs, single or in combination, are capable of showing, unambiguously, the presence of various tumour-associated antigens on ovarian carcinoma cells either in tissue or, when antigen shedding occurs, in blood. However, these McAbs may also react with tumour-associated antigens present on endometrial, cervical, colorectal, breast or other carcinoma cells. The original immunogens used to generate these McAbs differ as to their origin: ovarian cancer cells, breast cancer cells, human milk-fat preparations, trophoblastic cells, endometrial cancer cells have been used as well as osteogenic sarcoma cells, epidermoid carcinoma cells and small-cell lung cancer, colorectal, pancreatic and laryngeal carcinoma cells. The histological distribution patterns of the antigens recognized by these McAbs vary widely: cross-reactions with normal tissue and with carcinomas different from those used as immunogen are frequently seen.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Use of statistical evaluation of antigen profiles in differential diagnosis between colonic and ovarian adenocarcinomas.

A study was carried out to determine whether it was possible to classify colonic and ovarian adenocarcinomas by their antigen profile. Colonic and ovarian adenocarcinomas were immunostained with a panel of antibodies which have a limited specificity for colon (parlam-4, 19.9, anti-secretory component) and ovary (OV-TL3 and OC125) and the most discriminatory antibodies were selected by stepwise linear discriminant analysis. For frozen material OV-TL3 and OC125 were the best classifying antibodies. Although OC125 had better discriminative power, for paraffin wax embedded material parlam-4 was selected as the best classifying antibody. OC125 had no additional effect on the classification of a tumour. These antibodies were subsequently tested on an independent test set of primary and metastatic adenocarcinomas of colonic and ovarian origin. When ovarian posterior probabilities of less than 0.1 and greater than 0.9 were selected as cut off points for a positive identification of colonic or ovarian origin (jackknifed classification method), no adenocarcinoma was incorrectly identified as ovarian carcinoma in frozen material. The same trend was noticed for paraffin wax embedded material. Statistical analysis of antigen profiles can be helpful in defining the colonic or ovarian origin of an adenocarcinoma when routine microscopy does not yield a definitive result.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Cell of the mucous membrane of the female genital tract in culture: a comparative study with regard to the histogenesis of endometriosis.

Cellular elements from the mucous membrane of the uterus and oviducts and from peritoneal washings were cultured. The in vitro behavior of these cells was compared to elucidate the histogenesis of endometriosis and the role of various diagnostic procedures. In 65% of the cultured material obtained by uterine-tubal flushing, proliferating cells of the uterine-tubal mucous membrane were present. Their morphology and behavior corresponded to those of cultured cells obtained by separate washing of the uterine cavity and the tubes, respectively, curetted material, and biopsies of endometriosis lesions. Epithelial and stromal cells were identified using phase contrast microscopy, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical methods. These cell types did not occur in peritoneal washings before the flushing of uterus and tubes. It was therefore assumed that they were detached and transported to the pelvic cavity during the above-mentioned procedures. In view of their intensive proliferation they may form the basis in the development of nodules of endometriosis. This would support the implantation theory concerning the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Interactions between epithelial and mesothelial cells point to the possible role of the latter in encapsulating the endometrial elements.

Cell Communication↗

Characterization and tissue specificity of a monoclonal antibody against human uridine 5'-diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase.

A monoclonal antibody against human liver uridine 5'-diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UDPGTase) was developed. Enzyme inhibition studies with this monoclonal antibody showed inhibition of human liver UDPGTase activity with bilirubin, 4-methylumbelliferone, and 4-nitrophenol as substrates. Testosterone, estrone, and phenolphthalein UDPGTase activity was not inhibited. The monoclonal antibody probably recognizes the uridine 5'-diphosphate-glucuronic acid binding site at 4-nitrophenol UDPGTase. Proteins with a molecular mass of 54,000 daltons were immunopurified from solubilized human liver using the monoclonal antibody as ligand coupled to Sepharose 4B beads. The distribution of UDPGTase isoforms in various human tissues was studied by immunofluorescence. The enzyme could be detected in liver, kidney, stomach, small intestine, colon, and skin. In liver, only hepatocytes contain UDPGTase. In kidney, the enzyme was localized exclusively in proximal tubuli and in stomach in epithelial mucous cells. In small intestinal epithelium, maximal fluorescence was seen at the villous tip. In colon, all lining epithelial cells were stained. In colon polyps, staining for UDPGTase was clearly decreased, and in colon carcinoma it was undetectable. In skin, the stratum corneum was intensely stained, whereas the stratum basale showed no fluorescence.

Animals↗