Lectin histochemistry in rabbit appendix epithelial cells during suckling and weaning, and in adults

Abstract

Summary A study was made of the modification of glycoconjugates in rabbit appendix epithelium, including vacuolated cells on fetal villi, columnar absorptive cells (enterocytes) and lymphoid follicle associated epithelial (FAE) cells during the suckling, weaning and adult stages by lectin histochemistry. Sections were incubated with seven biotinyl lectins: DBA, SBA, WGA, PNA, UEA-I, ConA and RCA-I. Gradual and progressive changes were observed in the appendix epithelial glycoconjugates during postnatal development. Three groups of lectins were classified according to the lectin binding pattern. SBA, DBA and UEA-I lectins constantly stained FAE cells and enterocytes during suckling. In particular, SBA and UEA-I stained to the same extent as in weaning and adults. In contrast, the staining of DBA for FAE cells gradually decreased and almost ceased to be evident at 2 months. In the binding of PNA, FAE cells were negative or showed very slight reactivity at all developmental stages. Staining by ConA, WGA and RCA-I of FAE cells and enterocytes was virtually the same. Significant differences were not observed at any stage of development.