title: Immunohistochemical localization of plasma retinol-binding protein and prealbumin in human pancreatic islets.
abstract: This study was undertaken, employing the immunoenzyme method, to confirm the presence of retinol-binding protein in human pancreatic islets, and to compare its distribution with that of prealbumin, insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide. It was found that most islet cells contained retinol-binding protein, although centrally located cells showed stronger reactivity than those in the peripheral region. The distribution of each of the five polypeptides differed from that of retinol-binding protein, indicating that these peptides did not cross-react with anti-retinol-binding protein antibody. Islet cells which contained prealbumin, on the other hand, were mostly classified as A cells. Further studies are necessary to confirm whether the islet cells produce retinol-binding protein or only store it.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000473:pathology*; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary; D011228:Prealbumin / Q000032:analysis*; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D054839:Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D011228:Prealbumin; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins; D054839:Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma