[Comparative immunohistochemical and lectin histochemical studies of ependymal cells and the epithelium of the choroid plexus].

In a previous investigation we reported on the distribution of intermediate filaments in normal epithelium of choroid plexus and ependyma (Kasper et al. 1986). The present paper describes the results obtained with an enlarged panel of monoclonal antibodies against intermediate filaments and additionally with lectins. Ependymal cells contain GFAP and vimentin filaments, whereas epithelial plexus cells express cytokeratin, vimentin and neurofilament 200 KD. Using Concanavalin A, we found a strong cytoplasmatic staining of plexus epithelia and a reduced or failed reaction in ependymal cells. The differences in both cell types may find an explanation in their function or are determined during the ontogenic development.