Histone H1 in the centromeric heterochromatin of Glyptotendipes barbipes larval polytene chromosomes

Immunofluorescent analysis with antibodies against histone H1 failed to detect H1 in the centromeric heterochromatin blocks of the polytene chromosomes of Glyptotendipes barbipes larvae. Centromeric regions were dissected microsurgically and acid-extracted. Electrophoresis in SDS and acid-urea gels revealed a band comigrating with H1 of calf thymus and of Gl. barbipes salivary gland nuclei. ELISA dot assay of the extracted material gave a positive reaction with anti-H1 monoclonal antibodies and with anti-H1 affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies. This shows that the centromeric heterochromatin contains histone H1 but packed in a way which prevents the H1 antigenic determinants from reacting in situ with the specific antibodies.