Cell type-specific lectin staining of the tracheobronchial epithelium of the rat: quantitative studies with Griffonia simplicifolia I isolectin B4.
We compared lectin staining patterns to cell population densities, as determined by morphological criteria in rat airways. Eight lectins were studied: Griffonia simplicifolia I isolectin B4 (GSI-B4), Arachis hypogaea (PNA), Wisteria floribunda (WFA), Glycine maximus (SBA), Dolichos biflorus (DBA), Helix pomatia (HPA), Ulex europaeus (UEA-1), and Maclura pomifera (MPA). Two of the lectins strongly stained morphologically distinct cell subpopulations. GSI-B4 stained basal cells, and MPA stained non-ciliated bronchiolar (Clara) cells. The specificity and sensitivity of GSI-B4 as a marker for basal cells was examined. In the trachea, 35% of all cells were GSI-B4 positive; 84% of these were basal cells, 7% were unidentified cells, 5% were serous/mucous cells, and 4% were ciliated, brush, or inflammatory cells. Comparison to cell population density data strongly suggested that all basal cells were GSI-B4 positive. The segmental bronchus was a transitional area; GSI-B4 positive basal cells were present in the region closest to the lobar bronchus but were absent in the distal region; instead, MPA-positive Clara cells appeared. When dissociated tracheal cells were obtained by pronase digestion, 43% were GSI-B4 positive. These results show that GSI-B4 is a sensitive and relatively specific marker for basal cells in the rat trachea which can be used to study dissociated epithelial cells.
Shimizu
T
T
Laboratory of Pulmonary Pathobiology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Nettesheim
P
P
Mahler
J F
JF
Randell
S H
SH
D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000166:cytology*; D002452:Cell Count; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D037102:Lectins; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014132:Trachea / Q000166:cytology*
D037102:Lectins