ALLERGENIC AND ANTIGENIC PROTEINS RELEASED IN THE APERTURAL SPORODERMDURING THE ACTIVATION PROCESS IN GRASS-POLLEN GRAINS

A combination of transmission electron microscopy with immunocytochemi cal methods was used to localize antigenic and allergenic proteins dur ing the maturation and activation processes of Poaceae pollen grains. The intine undergoes a series of modifications that play a decisive ro le in these processes. Allergenic and antigenic proteins were detected particularly in the intine of activated in vitro grass pollen grains. Labelling of antigenic proteins was more abundant and less specific t han that of allergenic proteins. At the time of hydration, the opercul um was lifted up, the intine was swollen and labelling of allergenic p roteins appeared highly localized in the Zwischerzkorper. No significa nt labelling was observed when the Zwischenkorper gelatinized. Immunol ocalization of allergenic proteins in the activated Zwischenkorper ind icated the presence of proteins related to activation of the pollen gr ains. This confirms that the intine function is involved in the proces ses of pollen tube formation and fertilization, and also suggests the possible mechanism activated in the pollen grains when allergenic prot eins reach the mucosa of sensitive subjects.