Abstract
A combination of transmission electron microscopy with immunocytochemical methods was used to localize antigenic and allergenic proteins during the maturation and activation processes of Poaceae pollen grains. The intine undergoes a series of modifications that play a decisive role in these processes. Allergenic and antigenic proteins were detected particularly in the intine of activated in vitro grass pollen grains. Labelling of antigenic proteins was more abundant and less specific than that of allergenic proteins. At the time of hydration, the operculum was lifted up, the intine was swollen and labelling of allergenic proteins appeared highly localized in the Zwischenkörper. No significant labelling was observed when the Zwischenkörper gelatinized. Immunolocalization of allergenic proteins in the activated Zwischenkörper indicated the presence of proteins related to activation of the pollen grains. This confirms that the intine function is involved in the processes of pollen tube formation and fertilization, and also suggests the possible mechanism activated in the pollen grains when allergenic proteins reach the mucosa of sensitive subjects.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 17 February 1997 / Revision accepted: 10 July 1997
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Márquez, J., Seoane-Camba, J. & Suárez-Cervera, M. Allergenic and antigenic proteins released in the apertural sporoderm during the activation process in grass pollen grains. Sex Plant Reprod 10, 269–278 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004970050097
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004970050097