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Horm Metab Res 2009; 41(8): 621-625
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1215591
Original Basic

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Hormones in the Nucleus of Mast Cells: Confocal Microscopic Immunocytochemical Observations

G. Csaba 1 , P. Kovács 1
  • 1Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
Further Information

Publication History

received 06.01.2009

accepted 16.02.2009

Publication Date:
15 April 2009 (online)

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Abstract

In earlier experiments, the presence of histamine and serotonin in the nucleus of mast cells was demonstrated. At present we studied the presence or absence of four hormones: adrenocorticotropine (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), triiodothyronine (T3), and progesterone. Cells of the (adult female) rat peritoneal fluid were fixed by EDAC and studied by laser-scanning confocal microscope, after treatment with primary antibodies and FITC-labeled secondary antibody. Strong ACTH and growth hormone fluorescence can be seen in the nucleus. ACTH fluorescence is present also in the granules. The cytoplasm of lymphocytes contains both ACTH and GH. T3 shows very pale fluorescence, and progesterone is negative. The conclusion is that the nucleus of mast cells contains two polypeptide hormones studied. This was demonstrated by using EDAC fixation as this is a cross-linking agent and does not allow the escape of the minute amounts of hormones from the nucleus. Earlier observations on peptide hormones’ nuclear presence and their importance are discussed.

Key words

EDAC fixation - nuclear hormones - polypeptide hormones - mast cells - ACTH - GH

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Correspondence

G. Csaba

Department of Genetics

Cell and Immunobiology

Semmelweis University

Budapest

Hungary

Phone: +36/1/210 29 50

Fax: +36/1/210 29 50

Email: csagyor@dgci.sote.hu

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