engleski

Trefoil factors in the embryonic respiratory system of a mouse

AIM: To determine the presence of Trefoil factor family (TFF) protein 1, 2 and 3 in the developing respiratory system of mouse embryo. METHODS: CD1 mouse embryos, at Theiler stage 23, 24 and 25 (15 to 17 days old) were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and embedded in paraffin blocks. 6 µm thick sagittal sections were prepared for immunohistochemical staining. Polyclonal, affinity-purified, primary rabbit antibodies were applied, followed by biotinylated anti-rabbit secondary antibody and streptavidin-HRP layers. Complex was visualized using DAB as chromogen. RESULTS: TFF1 staining was visible in the epithelial cells of nasal, tracheal and bronchial mucosa. TFF2 was present in nasal mucosa epithelium and in bronchial epithelium, where apical part of cell cytoplasm was stained including the thin mucus layer above bronchial epithelium. Epithelium of nasal cavity and bronchi showed pronounced presence of TFF3. No presence of trefoil peptides was found in the alveolar epithelium or interstitial tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Distribution of TFF peptides in the embryonic respiratory tract is similar to adult respiratory tract. TFFs have important role in cell migration, diferentiation and tissue remodeling in adult tissues. Therefore, TFFs presence in respiratory epithelium during embryonic development points to their involvement and importance during development and maturation of respiratory tract.

trefoil factor; mouse; embryonic development; respiratory system; immunohistochemistry

nije evidentirano