The goal of this project was to analyze the cellular localization of Z-RNA, within middle fibers (MF) of the adult dog ocular lens (1.5 yr) (Fig. 1), using anti-Z-RNA IgG polyclonal antibodies. B-DNA can adopt the left-handed Z-DNA conformation in vitro (1). Right-handed A-RNA can be transformed into left-handed Z-RNA (2). Z-RNA has been studied in cultured cells (3). Evidence supports the presence of Z-DNA in vivo (1). Removal of DNA binding proteins by fixatives can initiate supercoiling which stabilizes Z-DNA sequences (1).
Anti-Z-RNA polyclonal antibody probes were developed in rabbits immunized with multiple injections of Z-RNA: Br-poly[ribosomal(G-C)]. Regarding immunohistochemistry, lens tissues were fixed in Carnoy's, embedded in paraffin and sectioned (2.5 μm) (Fig. 2). Computerized image analysis was performed using a Leitz DM-RB microscope and Leica Quantiment 500 + image analyzer.