DETECTION OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR RECEPTORS AND E-CADHERINS IN THE BASOLATERAL MEMBRANE OF A431 CELLS BY LASER SCANNING FLUORESCENCE MICROSCOPY

We have examined the localization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors and E-cadherins in cultured A431 cells, an epidermoid carcinoma cell line, using a laser scanning fluorescence microscope. The fluorescence signals generated by monoclonal antibodies against EGF receptor and E-cadherin were localized mainly in the cell-cell contact sites, about 3-mu-m in width. When these areas for cell adhesion were scanned perpendicularly, fluorescence was detected from a point 4-mu-m from the cell base for a distance of 8-mu-m towards the cell surface (about 16-mu-m from the cell base). These data suggest the subcellular localization of EGF receptors and E-cadherins in the basolateral membrane of A431 cells.