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.
Laboratory of Pulmonary Pathobiology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
T
T
Shimizu
P
P
Nettesheim
J F
JF
Mahler
S H
SH
Randell
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