[Localization of albumin, transferrin and alpha-fetoprotein in normal and regenerating mouse liver]

Abstract

An acetone-formol fixation technique with subsequent paraffin-embedding suitable for immunofluorescent study of different antigens, including serum proteins, is described. This technique was used for detection of albumin, transferrin, and alpha-fetoprotein distribution in the normal and regenerating liver of mice. Albumin and transferrin were always found together in the same hepatocytes, both under normal conditions and in regeneration. In the regenerating liver alpha-fetoprotein was encountered independently of the two other proteins, although it was revealed in the same zones. Only in the perinecrotic zone did each alpha-fetoprotein-positive hepatocyte contain albumin and transferrin.