A monoclonal antibody distinguishes anterior horn cells of human embryonic spinal cord during a transient period of development

• Published in: Brain research. Developmental brain research Vol. 66; no. 1; p. 109
• Main Authors: Erkman, L, Mattenberger, L, Kato, A C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 20.03.1992
• Subjects: Animals; Anterior Horn Cells - chemistry; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Chick Embryo; Embryonic and Fetal Development - physiology; Gestational Age; Humans; Hybridomas; Immunohistochemistry; Mice; Organ Specificity - physiology; Species Specificity; Spinal Cord - chemistry; Spinal Cord - cytology; Spinal Cord - embryology; Staining and Labeling; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0165-3806
• DOI: 10.1016/0165-3806(92)90146-N

Monoclonal antibodies were prepared by using the anterior horn region of human embryonic spinal cord as immunogen. To increase the specificity of the immune response towards the anterior horn cells, mice were first injected with antigens from the posterior horn and then immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide; subsequently antigens from the anterior horn were injected. One of the monoclonal antibodies recognizes a small population of anterior horn cells of human embryonic spinal cord during a transient period of development (9-10th embryonic week); these cells are probably motoneurons according to their location in the spinal cord, their positive staining for acetylcholinesterase and their large nuclei. The staining pattern has a special axial distribution as it is limited to the cervical and thoracic regions of the spinal cord. The antibody is species-specific and shows a high degree of tissue specificity. Since this antibody distinguishes a small group of anterior horn cells in the spinal cord during a specific developmental stage, it opens stimulating perspectives for further investigation on the nature of the antigen and its putative role during the development of the human embryonic spinal cord.