Abstract
The distributions of dystrophin, 'dystrophin-related protein' (DRP) and beta-spectrin were compared with that of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at rat nerve-muscle junctions (NMJs) using immunofluorescence techniques. In sections, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to dystrophin and beta-spectrin labelled the entire sarcolemma but were concentrated at the NMJs while those to DRP labelled only NMJs. In permeabilized muscle fibres, DRP was precisely co-localized with the AChRs, whereas the zone of high density labelling of dystrophin and beta-spectrin extended 0.3-0.4 microns beyond the AChRs. Within the NMJ, the labelling of DRP appeared as a series of interconnecting lines similar to that of AChRs. However, labelling of dystrophin and beta-spectrin was consistently more punctate. These data suggest DRP is more closely associated with AChRs than are dystrophin or beta-spectrin.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 857-860 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Neuroreport |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 10 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 1992 |
Keywords
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Cytoskeleton
- Dystrophin
- Female
- Immunohistochemistry
- Neuromuscular Junction
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Cholinergic