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.
Department of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI.
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Dalakas
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Mutchnick
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