Polarized distribution of gamma interferon-stimulated MHC antigens and transferrin receptors in a clonal cell line isolated from Fisher rat thyroid (FRT cells).

The characteristics of a polarized epithelial cell line and dynamics of an endogenous polarized plasma membrane constituent were studied by use of an subclone, FRT-9, from the Fisher rat thyroid cell line, FRT. Transmission electron microscopy (conventional, freeze-fracture), determination of transepithelial electrical parameters and immuno-fluorescence study, were used to establish polarity and demonstrated the basolateral distribution of transferrin receptors and the major histocompatibility complex antigens (constitutive Class I or gamma interferon-induced Class II).