Age-Related Changes of Lectin Bindings on the Cell Surface of Unfertilized Mouse Ova.

Abstract

Lectin bindings on the surface of unfertilized mouse ova immediately after ovulation were histochemically examined, and were compared among 30-day-old, 60- to 90-day-old, 180- to 210-day-old and 270-day-old mice. The bindings of PNA, GS-I, DBA, SBA, BPA, MPA, GS-II, WGA and Con A were observed from a weak to an intense degree on the cell surface of ova in mice from different age groups, but those of UEA-I and LPA were not. Although the strength in bindings of PNA, DBA, SBA, GS-II, BPA, WGA and Con A did not differ among the age groups, the strength of GS-I and MPA bindings intensified in 270-day-old mice. From the results, it may be said that the glycoconjugates on the cell surface of mouse ova immediately after ovulation contain galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine and mannose, and that the amount of galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine increases as the animals get older.