Ultrastructural localization of CD36 in human hepatic sinusoidal lining cells, hepatocytes, human hepatoma (HepG2-A16) cells, and C32 amelanotic melanoma cells

CD36 is expressed in the endothelial cells of some human organs, but the ultrastructural localization of this molecule in the sinusoidal lining cells of human liver is not well established. We report the ultrastructural localization of CD36 in the liver using a novel murine monoclonal antibody against CD36, namely MO30, as a primary antibody. Immunocytochemistry by the postembedding method showed that CD36 was localized in endothelial cells of sinusoids and in hepatocyte microvilli protruding into the space of Disse. Moreover, in cultured human hepatoma (HepG2-A16) cells and C32 amelanotic melanoma cells, MO30 reacted with microvilli. Hence, CD36 expressed on these cells may be involved in recognition and/or entry of these cells by malaria sporozoites.