LOW-AFFINITY NERVE GROWTH-FACTOR RECEPTOR IMMUNOREACTIVITY IN THE HUMAN URINARY-BLADDER

The localization of low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (LNGFR) in the human urinary bladder was examined immunohistochemically using the mouse monoclonal antibody (ME20-4) against human LNGFR. LNGFR immu noreactivity was present in the human urinary bladder, The distributio n of LNGFR-positive fibers was more abundant in the mucosa than in the muscle layer. Results also showed that some LNGFR-positive fiber bund les contained tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity. Electron microsco pic examination revealed that LNGFR immunoreactivity was located on th e surface of Schwann cells, and frequently on the interface of axons a nd Schwann cells.