[Immunohistochemical localization of insulin-like-growth-factor-binding protein 6 in the head area of the mouse].

Background: The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is an important regulator of cell growth and differentiation. The mitogenic and metabolic activities of IGFs are modulated by a family of six high-affinity IFG binding proteins (IGFBPs). IGFBP-6 is unique among the IGFBPs in its preferential binding of IGF II.

Methods: In this study, specific antibodies against recombinant mouse IGFBP-6 generated in chicken were used to localize IGFBP-6 by immunohistochemistry in the head region during late embryonic and newborn mice.

Results: Immunoreactivity was detected in oral and nasal mucosa, tooth-forming anlage, anlage of skeletal muscle, anlage of submandibular glands, enchondral ossification, and osteoclasts.