Detection of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors and E‐Cadherins in the Basolateral Membrane of A431 Cells by Laser Scanning Fluorescence Microscopy

We have examined the localization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors and E‐cadherins in cultured A431 cells, an epidermoid carcinoma cell line, using a laser scanning fluorescence microscope. The fluorescence signals generated by monoclonal antihodies against EGF receptor and E‐cadherin were localized mainly in the cell‐cell contact sites, about 3 μm in width. When these areas for cell adhesion were scanned perpendicularly, fluorescence was detected from a point 4μ from the cell base for a distance of 8 μm towards the cell surface (about 16 μm from the cell base). These data suggest the subcellular localization of EGF receptors and E‐cadherins in the basolateral membrane of A431 cells.