Patterns of Desmocollin Synthesis in Human Epithelia: Immunolocalization of Desmocollins 1 and 3 in Special Epithelia and Cultured Cells

The study investigated the synthesis and localization of desmocollins 1 and 3 in human epithelia using murine monoclonal antibodies. Desmocollin 1 (Dsc1) was found in the suprabasal layers of the interfollicular epidermis and specific layers of the hair follicle root sheath, while desmocollin 3 (Dsc3) was present in all living epidermal layers, glandular ducts, and various stratified epithelia, including the basal layer of bladder urothelium and trachea. Simple epithelia and non-epithelial desmosomes were negative for both Dsc1 and Dsc3. In the thymus, Dsc3 was found in thymic reticular epithelium, while Dsc1 was detected in Hassall bodies. In cultured cells, Dsc3 was present in desmosomes of cell lines from stratified squamous epithelia, whereas Dsc1 was associated with suprabasal differentiation. The study highlighted the potential of these antibodies in histology and pathology.