CuZn-superoxide dismutase in human thymus: immunocytochemical localisation and secretion in thymus-derived epithelial and fibroblast cell lines.
CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) plays a key role in mediating the cellular response to oxidative stress. Its expression in normal thymus was investigated by immunohistochemical techniques and CD3-, CD68- and cytokeratin-specific staining, in order to identify thymocytes, macrophages and epithelial components. Immunocytochemical studies showed an overall CuZn-SOD thymic distribution with a prevailing concentration within thymic medulla. The analysis of CuZn-SOD release by thymus-derived epithelial and fibroblast cell lines showed the ability of both cell lines to release the anti-oxidant enzyme, especially in the presence of stress conditions as represented by serum and nutrient deprivation. These data suggest that CuZn-SOD could be a relevant antioxidant paracrine molecule in human thymus.
Cimini
V
V
Dipartimento di Scienze Biomorfologiche e Funzionali, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy. cimini@unina.it
Ruggiero
G
G
Buonomo
T
T
Seru
R
R
Sciorio
S
S
Zanzi
C
C
Santangelo
F
F
Mondola
P
P
D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002460:Cell Line; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007633:Keratins / Q000032:analysis; D007700:Kinetics; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000378:metabolism
D015415:Biomarkers; D007633:Keratins; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase