Lineage and non-lineage related expression of an anti-teratocarcinoma monoclonal antibody reactivity in the post-implantation embryo and adult mouse.

Distribution of monoclonal antibody 2C5 reactivity is studied in post-implantation embryonic material and the adult mouse. Reactivity of 2C5 monoclonal antibody, raised against PC13 embryonal carcinoma, is reduced on in vitro differentiation of teratocarcinoma stem cells. 2C5 antibody reacts with embryonic and extraembryonic endoderm in the post-implantation egg cylinder. Rathke's pouch at the tenth day and primordial germ cells at the thirteenth day of gestation express 2C5 antigen. In the adult, detectable 2C5 antigen expression is limited to the thymus, pituitary body and female reproductive tract. The apparent non-lineage related expression of 2C5 monoclonal antibody and the reactivities of other monoclonal antibodies are discussed.