Subcellular localization of N-acetylglucosaminide beta 1----4 galactosyltransferase revealed by immunoelectron microscopy.

We prepared a monoclonal antibody (MAb) against N-acetylglucosaminide beta 1----4 galactosyltransferase purified from F9 embryonal carcinoma cells. The MAb recognized the protein portion of the enzyme, since it inhibited galactosyltransferase activity, reacted with the enzyme both from F9 cells and from bovine milk, and did not exhibit anti-carbohydrate activity. Using this MAb, we studied the subcellular localization of the enzyme by immunoelectron microscopy. Intense staining was observed in trans-Golgi stacks within testicular interstitial cells and mucous neck cells, confirming the specificity of the immunological reaction. Cell surface galactosyltransferase was detected in the following regions: cultured cells such as F9 embryonal carcinoma cells, testicular interstitial cells, seminiferous tubule epithelial cells, Sertoli cells, the head of the epididymal sperm, epididymal epithelial cells, and apical surfaces of epithelial cells in the fundic gland and of intestinal goblet cells. The use of Triton X-100 intensified the cell surface immunoreactivity, and in certain cases the mode of distribution of the cell surface enzyme was different from that described in previous reports. In addition, nuclear envelopes of cultured cells were distinctly stained. The possible significance of the latter finding is discussed in relation to recent advances in nuclear localization of glycoproteins.