engleski

Trefoil factor family proteins in the mouse embryonic pituitary gland

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Trefoil factor family (TFF) proteins are predominately secreted at mucous membranes, and are involved in mucosal restitution. They were also detected in pituitary gland in several studies. TFF2 is found in the anterior part of the mouse pituitary, and its role there is still unknown. TFF3 is reported as a new neuropeptide of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis, co-localized with oxytocin and transported into the neural lobe of the pituitary. The aim of this preliminary research was to investigate the presence of TFF proteins in the pituitary gland of the mouse embryos. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mouse embryos 15 to 17 days old, fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and embedded into paraffin blocks were used. Sagittal sections 6 micrometers thick were made and processed for immunohistochemistry. The embryos were stained with anti-TFF1, anti-TFF2 and anti-TFF3 primary antibodies, using Biotin, Streptavidin-HRP and DAB to visualize the presence and localization of TFF proteins. RESULTS: TFF 1 and 2 were present in the anterior lobe, while TFF3 was localized in the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. CONCLUSION: The presence of TFF proteins in the embryonic pituitary gland suggests a role of TFF proteins in the development and function of embryonic endocrine system.

trefoil factor; mouse; embryonic development; pituitary gland; immunohistochemistry

nije evidentirano