Immunocytochemical localization of hepatic legandin and Z protein utilizing frozen sections for light and electron microscopy.

Ligandin (glutathione-s-transferase) and Z protein are soluble hepatocellular proteins that are involved in the transfer of organic ions, including bilirubin and some hormones and carcinogens from the plasma to the liver. The intracellular distribution of ligandin and Z protein was studied by applying the peroxidase-antiperoxidase procedure of L. A. Sternberger (Immunocytochemistry, Prentice Hall Inc., 1974) to paraffin sections and free-floating 10-micrometers frozen sections that were processed for both light and electron microscopy. Ligandin and Z protein were localized to the cytosol of hepatocytes in association with smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), but no reaction product was present between cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Penetration of reagents was enhanced in 10-micrometers frozen sections and the preservation of subcellular structures was equivalent to thicker, unfrozen sections.