ABSTRACT
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) produced by individual hepatocytes and hepatocyte microcolonies was detected with microelectrophoresis-precipitation in polyacrylamide gel. Hepatic cells of 6--13-week-old human embryos were cultivated in vitro for 2 to 5 days. 23 of 28 individual cells, and 89 of 91 microcolonies, built up of 2--35 cells, were demonstrated to produce AFP within the range of 70--800 pg per cell.
Subject(s)
Liver/embryology , alpha-Fetoproteins/biosynthesis , Cells, Cultured , Humans , Liver/metabolismABSTRACT
Typical mature hepatocytes constituting not over several per cent of the total amount of preserved hepatocytes served as the principal site of the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) localization in the liver of mice regenerating after the CCl4 poisoning or partial hepatectomy. Morphologically they failed to differ from the principal mass of hepatocytes and retained an antigen of the bile capillaries on the surface. A change id to the dynamics of the AFP level in the animal serum. Apparently in regeneration of the mouse liver the principal AFP production was realized by mature hepatocytes.
Subject(s)
Liver Regeneration , Liver/metabolism , alpha-Fetoproteins/biosynthesis , Animals , Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning/pathology , Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning/rehabilitation , Hepatectomy , Liver/pathology , Male , Mice , alpha-Fetoproteins/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
A method of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ultramicrodetection, permitting to reveal up to 10(--8) mg of AFP with its concentration of 1--2.10(--6) mg/ml was suggested. The antigen ic concentrated in a capillary tube during the electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel. The compressed zone moves into the gel plate, containing antiserum. Free diffusion of the antigen is followed by the formation of precipitation rings, whose area is in proportion to the amount of the antigen. The precipitins are revealed by the treatment with I125-labeled antibodies to gamma-globulin of the immune serum, with subsequent radioautography.
