Immunocytolocalization of Cell Wall Peroxidase and Other Wall Antigens from Maize Seedlings

Immunocytochemistry utilizes the specificity of the antigen-antibody reaction to localize specific antigens in cells or cellular organelles. Here we report the use of monoclonal antibodies, in conjunction with gold-labeled second antibodies to study the ultrastructural localization and tissue distribution of the Mr 98, 000 anionic peroxidase and other wall antigens. The antibody specific for this wall peroxidase, mWP3, labeled mainly the cell wall area. At the tissue level, the Mr 98, 000 peroxidase is located predominantly in the leaf mesophyll, internal coleoptile and sieve elements, but not in the root, as assayed with these procedures. The coleoptile walls were less heavily stained than the walls of leaf mesophyll cells. At the subcellular level, it is localized mainly in intercellular regions of the cell walls. A similar staining pattern was revealed by mWP19, one of anti-$\beta$ glucosidase antibody, though it looked less heavily stained than one with mWP3. In order to serve as a control wall staining using IgM monoclonal antibodies, mWP18 was used. Most of the label is localized over wall regions of cells of the young leaf mesophyll and coleoptile.