EXPRESSION OF A LIPOCALIN IN HUMAN NASAL-MUCOSA

A 19 kDa soluble protein was purified from human nasal mucus. Its N-te rminal amino acid sequence appeared to be identical to that of a lipoc alin synthesised both in lachrymal glands and in von Ebner's glands (V EG) of circumvallate papillae. In order to verify whether this protein was synthesised in the nasal cavity or was the result of tear contami nation, we adopted an immunohistochemical approach. Polyclonal antibod ies, raised against a primate VEG protein, were used on sections of hu man nasal mucosa obtained from surgery. The results clearly indicate t hat the protein is synthesised in sere-mucous glands underlying the re spiratory ciliated epithelium. Although ligand-binding experiments wit h some odorant molecules have given negative results, we cannot exclud e a role of odorant solubiliser and carrier for this protein. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.