Alpha-1 antitrypsin gene exon use in stimulated lymphocytes.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of mRNA transcripts containing exon A or B in lymphocyte cultures.


METHODS
An in situ hybridisation technique, using synthetic, biotinylated oligonucleotide probes was deployed to allow the demonstration of exon A, exon B, or the normal hepatocyte message containing exon C.


RESULTS
Lymphocytes used the same alternative splicing technique as monocytes in the generation of their alpha-1 antitrypsin message. They also provided data on the frequency of exon A and B expression in cells from different subjects. Most circulating granulocytes failed to show the alpha-1 antitrypsin message, suggesting that this protein is synthesised in the marrow and represents a stored protein component in polymorph and circulating nuclear lymphocytes.


CONCLUSIONS
In situ hybridisation is a sensitive technique for the detection of individual gene exon use in cell populations. Lymphocytes show the same promoter use as that described for monocytes.
Bashir
M S
MS
University Department of Pathology, South Block General Hospital, Southampton.
Morrison
K
K
Wright
D H
DH
Jones
D B
DB
D016375:Antisense Elements (Genetics); D001483:Base Sequence; D005091:Exons / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000235:genetics*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D015345:Oligonucleotide Probes; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000235:genetics*
D016375:Antisense Elements (Genetics); D015345:Oligonucleotide Probes; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin