[Subcellular localization of blood group substances ABH in human gastrointestinal tracts]

Authers investigated subcellular localization of ABH substances in normal human stomach, duodenum and transverse colon by post-embedding immunogold method using monoclonal antibodies specific for A, B and H antigens. The immunoreactivity was usually restricted to the following organelles: mucigen granules of epithelical cells of gastric mucosa, zymogenic granules of chief cells of the gastric gland, both mucigen granules and Golgi cisternae of neck mucous cells of the gastric gland and of epithelial cells of the duodenum mucosa as well as the Brunner's gland. ABH antigens were also visualized in microvilli of absorptive cells and mucigan granules of goblet cells of the transverse colon. The results suggested that ABH substances in those cells were produced in Golgi cisternae and were transfered to secreting granules, then were secreted with mucus. The mosaic distribution of ABH substances in cells and the effect of embedding resins on ABH antigens and the ultrastructure of cells were discussed.