Differential localization of transferrin receptors and lipocalin-2 in rat hepatic and extra-hepatic organs during acute phase response

The transferrin receptors (TfR1, TfR2) and lipocalin-2 (LCN-2) are mainly involved in iron transport. We previously reported increasing amounts of liver cytoplasmic and nuclear iron content during acute phase response (ARP). Aim of the present study is to investigate intracellular localization of transferrin receptors and lipocalin-2 in liver compared to extra-hepatic organs under physiological and acute phase conditions. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 5 µm thick sections of hepatic and extra-hepatic tissues. Liver, spleen and heart cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins were used for Western blot analysis. By…