Desmosomal Molecules In and Out of Adhering Junctions: Normal and Diseased States of Epidermal, Cardiac and Mesenchymally Derived Cells
Figure 2
Immunofluorescence microscopy of cryostat sections through fish and amphibian skin, showing the localization of desmosomal components in all layers of the epidermis. (a) Immunofluorescence labeling of plakoglobin (red), in addition to nuclear DAPI staining (blue), in a section through the paraffin-embedded skin of an eel (Anguilla anguilla). The section is shown after antigen retrieval and immunoreaction (for methods see [8]) using a monoclonal mouse plakoglobin antibody (mAb PG 5.1; Progen Biotechnik, Heidelberg, Germany). Note the distinct basal layer (stratum basale) of the epidermis and the relatively large club shaped cells (“club cells”) as well as the mucous goblet cells and the dense-packed apical cell layers. (b) Immunofluorescence labeling of desmoplakin on a cryostat section through the skin of the frog, Rana pipiens, using mAb DP447 (Progen Biotechnik). Note the continuous pattern of very closely spaced, finely punctate staining of the epidermal desmosomes. Bl: basal layer; cc: club cells; gc: goblet cells; sec: superficial epithelial cells (for histological terminology see [8]). Bar in (a): 100 m; bar in (b): 50 m.
