alpha2-Macroglobulin (alpha2M) has been identified on the luminal surface of endothelial cells in sections of normal human arteries, veins, and lymphatics by the indirect immunofluorescent technique. The specificity of the immunofluorescent reaction was confirmed by immunoabsorption studies. Prior absorption of the anti-alpha2M antiserum by purified alpha2M at equivalence completely inhibited endothelial surface as well as hepatic parenchymal cell staining. Endothelial cells in blood vessels were not stained when sections were treated with rabbit antisera toward alpha1-antitrypsin, antithrombin III, IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, or fibrinogen. The location of alpha2M at the surface of the vessel wall suggests that this protease inhibitor may protect the vascular endothelium from potentially injurious intravascular proteases.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
1 July 1976
Article|
July 01 1976
alpha2-Macroglobulin on human vascular endothelium.
C G Becker
P C Harpel
Online ISSN: 1540-9538
Print ISSN: 0022-1007
J Exp Med (1976) 144 (1): 1–9.
Citation
C G Becker, P C Harpel; alpha2-Macroglobulin on human vascular endothelium.. J Exp Med 1 July 1976; 144 (1): 1–9. doi: https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.144.1.1
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Client Account
You could not be signed in. Please check your email address / username and password and try again.
Could not validate captcha. Please try again.
Sign in via your Institution
Sign in via your InstitutionEmail alerts
Advertisement