Localization of immunoreactive thymosin alpha 1 in astrocytes of normal human brain.
We employed an immunocytochemical method to examine human brain for the presence of immunoreactive thymosin alpha 1 (T alpha 1), a peptide derivative of thymic tissue, using a well-characterized antiserum. For cell identification, serial sections were stained with antisera to thymosin beta 4(T beta 4), another thymic peptide that identifies oligodendrocytes, and with anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antiserum that stains astrocytes in a double-staining technique using avidin-biotinylated horseradish peroxidase or avidin-biotinylated alkaline phosphatase complex. Antiserum to T alpha 1 stained the cell body, but not the processes, of GFAP-positive astrocytes, suggesting that T alpha 1 is a common antigen shared between thymus and astrocytes. Because T alpha 1 and its precursor molecule play a role in cell proliferation and immunomodulation, our findings could explain the role of astrocytes in certain central nervous system diseases.
Su
Y L
YL
Department of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI.
Ho
K L
KL
Dalakas
M C
MC
Mutchnick
M G
MG
D000328:Adult; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D013947:Thymosin / Q000378:metabolism*
D013947:Thymosin