Abstract

Several O-linked oligosaccharides of the jelly coat surrounding the eggs of Axolotl maculatum were analysed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The four major oligosaccharidealditols released by reductive beta-elimination display either the Lewisx (Lex) determinant or the sequence GalNAc(beta 1-4)[Fuc(alpha 1-3)]GlcNAc. This last structure has previously been characterized in allergenically active oligosaccharides isolated from the sea squirt H-antigen, and in the N-linked glycans of Schistosoma mansoni and human urokinase. It represents the major carbohydrate chain found in A. maculatum, the oviduct of which constitutes an excellent source of beta 1-4-acetylgalactosaminyl transferase activity. Moreover, the carbohydrate chains isolated from A. maculatum are quite different from those found in seven other amphibian species, in which the presence of species-specific material has been characterized. The role of carbohydrates appears more and more apparent during the fertilization process, and the diversity of the O-linked oligosaccharides supports such a biological role.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.