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To determine the localization and functional significance of dystrophin, we studied various tissues from almost the entire body of control and mdx mice, and control rats, using polyclonal antibodies against dystrophin. We observed a dystrophin reaction in synaptic regions such as neuromuscular junctions, the equatorial region of intrafusal muscle fibers, the outer plexiform layer of the retina, the myoepithelial cell layer of salivary and sweat glands, tactile nerve endings, and neurons in the brain. These dystrophin-positive regions reportedly contain actin filaments as a common characteristic, which is compatible with the dystrophin cDNA sequence. Dystrophin was absent in these regions in mdx mice. These results suggest that dystrophin plays an important physiological and/or structural role in cell motility as a trigger for propagating contractile force in, for example, the conduction system, with some relationship between actin filaments.

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Using a specific polyclonal antibody against type VI collagen, the distribution of type VI collagen in the bovine cornea was investigated by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy. By immunofluorescence, type VI collagen was detectable throughout the stroma. In addition to the uniform but relatively weak signals, a laminar pattern similar to the arrangement of stromal lamellae was clearly seen. Consistent with the immunofluorescent pattern, immunoelectron micrographs showed strong linear reactions located in the interlamellar spaces. The reactions were also observed in the pericellular region of the keratocytes. Epithelium, Descemet’s membrane and endothelium were negative.