Immunolocalization of cytokeratin 19 in bovine and human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells in situ.

1. Immunocytochemical analysis of bovine and human lung sections revealed the presence of the 41 kD intermediate filament protein cytokeratin 19 in microvessel and subpleural lymphatic endothelial cells as well as the mesothelial cell layer of the lung visceral pleura. 2. Cytokeratin 19 was expressed by human and bovine pulmonary microvessels with diameters ranging from 5 to 50 microns. 3. Cytokeratin 19 was also found in microvessels of the rete mirabile, an oxygen exchange organ of the eel. 4. Immunoperoxidase electron microscopy demonstrated cytokeratin 19 associated with the lateral membranes of adjacent bovine alveolar capillary endothelial cells.