The histochemistry of collagens and fibronectin in the gallbladders of the guinea pig and mouse.

Abstract

In the gallbladders of the guinea pig and mouse, the localizations and histochemical properties of certain connective tissue antigens were studied by means of indirect immunoperoxidase methods in light microscopy. These antigens were types I, III and IV collagens and fibronectin. The results obtained show that the four antigens exhibited such histochemical natures as are characteristic to each of them. The histophysiological significances of these antigens are discussed with special reference to the known physiological functions of the gallbladder to regulate biliary pressure throughout the bile drainage system of mammals.