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C cell (parafollicular cell) -- immunoreactive thyroglobulin: purification, identification and immunological
Histochemistry
|April 3, 1979
Summary
Researchers identified a novel protein, C-thyroglobulin, in C cells. This large molecular weight component shows high specificity for C cells and may be a calcitonin precursor.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Thyroglobulin contains material responsible for C cell immunoreaction.
- Previous studies isolated this material in the peak I fraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify the specific component reacting with C cells.
- Characterize its immunochemical and immunohistochemical properties.
- Investigate its relationship with calcitonin.
Main Methods:
- Chromatography (Bio-Gel A-50 m, A-150 m) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (4-30%, 2-16% gradient).
- Antiserum production and characterization.
- Double diffusion tests and immunoperoxidase staining.
- Antiserum absorption assays.
Main Results:
- A specific fraction (peak I''1) reacted exclusively with C cells.
- This fraction, named C-thyroglobulin, is a single electrophoretic band with a molecular weight of ~2,600,000.
- Anti-C-thyroglobulin antiserum showed cross-reactivity with calcitonin, and vice versa.
Conclusions:
- C-thyroglobulin is a distinct, high molecular weight component of thyroglobulin.
- Immunochemical data strongly suggest C-thyroglobulin is a biosynthetic precursor of calcitonin.