IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL LOCALIZATION OF LACTOFERRIN IN BOVINE EXOCRINE GLANDS

The localization of lactoferrin (LF) was studied in bovine exocrine gl ands by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. In general. LF immunorea ctivity was demonstrated in most of the serous demilunes of the mixed glands and in some but not all acinar cells of the serous glands. LF w as not detected in the acinar cells of the mucous glands. LF immunorea ctive cells were seen in the nasal and tracheal glands. The lacrimal a nd mammary glands were stained intensely, while the sweat glands were not stained. In the major and minor salivary glands, LF immunoreactivi ty was demonstrated in the serous demilunes and acini of the mixed gla nds and in some serous cells of the pure serous parotid gland. LF immu noreactivity was not seen in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas, but the serous gland in the lamina propria of the bile duct was staine d positively. In the male reproductive tracts, the prostate and bulbou rethral glands were stained positively, but the vesicular gland was ne gative. In the female reproductive system, the uterine and Bartholin g lands, the epithelial cells of the cervix and ampulla of the uterine t ube reacted positively. However, the lesser vestibular gland did not r eact for LF. The present findings, that LF was demonstrated in the exo crine glands located mainly in the gateways of the digestive. respirat ory and reproductive systems, may morphologically support the antibact erial role of LF.