Lectin histochemistry of the glycoconjugates in conjunctival goblet cells

Abstract

The distribution of O- and N-linked glycoconjugates in human conjunctival goblet cells was examined histochemically using biotinylated and fluorescence-labeled lectins simultaneously. Both peanut agglutinin and Erythrina cristagalli agglutinin, specific for O- and N-linked sugar chains, respectively, bound to the same goblet cell, which demonstrated that a conjunctival goblet cell produces and contains both types of glycoconjugates. Maackia amurensis lectin II, specific for sialic acid alpha 2, 3 galactose, bound to the goblet cells, while Sambueus nigra agglutinin, specific for sialic acid alpha 2, 6 galactose, did not. This observation suggested that the terminal galactosyl residue of the glycoconjugates is alpha 2, 3-sialylated in the human conjunctival goblet cells.