Localization of TRAIL/TRAILR in fetal pancreas.
OBJECTIVE
To observe the localization of TRAIL/TRAIR (DR4, DR5, DcR1, DcR2) in the fetal pancreas.


METHODS
Fetal pancreas of 32 weeks of pregnancy were obtained from induced abortions, embedded in paraffin, and 4-microm sections were prepared. The localization of TRAIL/TRAILR in fetal pancreas was investigated by fluorescence immunohistochemical method combined with laser scanning confocal microscopy.


RESULTS
TRAIL immunoreactive cells were mainly located on the periphery of the pancreas islets. There were a few DcR1 and DcR2 positive cells whereas there were no immunoreactive cells of DR4 and DR5 in the pancreas islets. In the acini and the ducts of the exocrine pancreas there were no TRAIL/TRAILR immunoreactive cells.


CONCLUSIONS
This study not only describes the distribution of TRAIL/TRAILR in the fetal pancreas, but also provides a morphological basis for deducing the function of TRAIL/TRAILR in pancreas, suggesting that in normal pancreatic islets, the pancreatic cells are resistant towards apoptosis too.
Chen
Li-Hua
LH
Department of Immunology, the Fourth Military Medical University, 17 West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
Liu
Xue-Song
XS
Wang
Wen-Yong
WY
Han
Wei-Ning
WN
Pan
Bo-Rong
BR
Jin
Bo-Quan
BQ
D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D010179:Pancreas / Q000196:embryology*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism*; D053221:TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism*
D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D053221:TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand; C505653:TNFSF10 protein, human; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha