Acid Mucopolysaccharides Research Articles

Histology and Histochemistry of Oviduct of Adult Bakerwali Goat in Different Phases of Estrus Cycle

Twelve genitalia of apparently healthy, non pregnant adult Bakerwali goat were collected from local slaughter houses immediately after sacrifice. Sections were stained with different staining methods. The oviduct of Bakerwali goat was lined with pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium in infundibulum and ampulla whereas pseudostratified columnar nonciliated epithelium in isthmus. The thickness of tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis of oviduct increases towards the isthmus and was significantly higher in luteal phase of estrus cycle whereas height of epithelium was significantly higher in luteal phase but decreased towards the layer of muscles in the terminal part of isthmus. The height of lining epithelium was significantly higher in luteal phase than follicular phase in all three segments of oviduct. In the luteal phase, apical blebs with PAS positive material were seen above lining epithelium. The cytoplasm of glandular and lining epithelium showed strong reaction with Alcian blue and mild reactivity for bound lipids with Sudan Black B. Tunica muscularis showed moderate reaction for Alcian blue showing presence of acidic mucopolysaccharides and mild reaction for bound lipids with Sudan Black B.

Characterization of UDP-glucose dehydrogenase from Pasteurella multocida CVCC 408 and its application in hyaluronic acid biosynthesis

Hyaluronic acid (HA), a vital acid mucopolysaccharide, has immense applied value in foodstuffs, medicaments, and cosmetics among others. UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UGDH, EC 1.1.1.22) is an essential enzyme for HA synthesis. In this study, a UGDH (PmuHasB, 45.9kDa) from Pasteurella multocida CVCC 408 was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). It was purified by two chromatographic columns with a specific activity of 6.58IU/mg. The optimum pH and temperature were determined to be 10.0 and 37°C, respectively. The activity was stable across the pH range 6–10, and had a half-life of about 3h at 45°C. The estimated apparent Km values for UDP-glucose and NAD+ were 0.11 and 0.069mM, respectively. The results indicated that PmuHasB was an alkaline and mesophilic UGDH. PmuHasB and PmuHasA (HA synthase, HAS) were co-expressed in E. coli BW25113 to obtain a HA high-producing strain pBPAB/BW25113. It produced about 2.39g/L HA in shake flask by using the method of whole-cell catalysis. Investigation of the different UGDHs on HA synthesis revealed that intracellular UGDH activity and HA total yield of pBPAB/BW25113 (0.15IU/mg and 5.4g/L) were higher than from pBPASB/BW25113 (0.013IU/mg and 2.8g/L) and pBPAEB/BW25113 (0.010IU/mg and 2.22g/L). These results indicated that the activity and stability of UGDH plays a significant role in HA production, and should prove useful for further genetic engineering research with a view to construct other glucuronic acid polysaccharide synthesis pathways.

Distribution and Characterisation of Goblet Cells in the Large Intestine of Ostriches during the Pre- and Post-Hatch Period.

The role of goblet cell secretion, containing mucopolysaccharides, in the formation of a protective barrier of intestinal mucosa and transportation of the intestinal content has been described quite extensively. However, information on the quality composition of mucopolysaccharides and its changes in the intestinal tract of ostrich chicks, especially in the large intestinal segments, is unavailable. In the current study, ostrich embryos/chicks (n=6/36) of both sexes were used shortly before hatching and during the first months of the post-hatch period. Tissues for histology were taken from the large intestine: the medium segments of the caecum, proximal and distal parts of colon. By using histochemical reactions, the differentiation of goblet cells as well as chemical composition of mucopolysaccharides was carried out. The cells contained acid (AB+), neutral (PAS+) and mixed (AB/PAS+) mucopolysaccharides. The number of goblet cells in the large intestine per unit area of mucosa increased towards the cloaca, and it was the highest in the distal part of the colon. The qualitative goblet cell composition in different large intestinal parts was different in all ages. In the caecum, goblet cells containing acid and mixed mucopolysaccharides dominate post-hatch, whereas in the colon, goblet cells containing acid mucopolysaccharides predominated. The most rapid changes in the qualitative goblet cell composition occur during the first week post-hatch when in all the intestinal segments the proportion of cells containing acid mucopolysaccharides continuously increased.

Bioactive compounds of sea cucumbers and their therapeutic effects

Sea cucumbers belong to the Class Holothuroidea of marine invertebrates. They are commercially valuable and prized as a food and folk medicine in Asia. Nutritionally, sea cucumbers have an impressive profile of valuable nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids. A number of unique biological and pharmacological activities/properties, including anticancer, anticoagulant/antithrombotic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertension and radioprotective, have been ascribed to various compounds isolated from sea cucumbers. The therapeutic properties and medicinal benefits of sea cucumbers can be linked to the presence of a wide array of bioactives, especially triterpene glycosides, acid mucopolysaccharide, sphingoid bases, glycolipids, fucosylated chondroitin sulfate, polysaccharides, phospholipids, cerebrosides, phosphatidylcholines, and other extracts and hydrolysates. This review highlights the valuable bioactive components as well as the multiple therapeutic properties of sea cucumbers with a view to exploring their potential uses as functional foods and a natural source of new multifunctional drugs.

Sudden Thrombosis in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery

Sudden Thrombosis in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery

Light and electron microscopic studies of the Harderian gland in Bilgorajska goose (Anser anser)

The Harderian gland (HG) in birds is the dominant orbital gland, which plays an important role in immunological response. Tissue sections taken from adult females of Bilgorajska goose were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Azan, PAS, AB pH 2.5, AF and HDI. Based on the histological structure the HG in Bilgorajska geese had compound tubular structure with multiple lobules and two types of epithelial cells lining the tubules. Epithelial cells in the central part of the lobes were dark in color and contained serous fluid, while in the deeper layers, epithelial cells were lightly coloured and contained mucous fluid. Histochemical studies showed the presence of neutral mucopolysaccharides and carboxylated acid mucopolysaccharides in the secretory cells. The small number of single plasma cells were present in HDI staining below the basement membrane of the secondary and primary ducts, near the crypts of the main duct. TEM study demonstrated that plasma cells had a large nucleus with condensed heterochromatin and were rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum. The knowledge of gland's structure, and above all an analysis of the immune system components may affect clinical practice and properly conducted immunization of birds.

Erythema ab igne

A 25-year-old woman was found dead in bed. She had a past history of seizures, alcohol and substance abuse, pancreatitis, psoriasis, pelvic inflammatory disease, hypertension, and depression. Previous admissions to hospital had been for chronic abdominal pain which was eased by holding a hot water bottle to her abdomen and back. At autopsy the major findings were limited to the brain which was swollen with flattening of gyri. There was no extradural or subdural hemorrhage. Subarachnoid hemorrhage was noted over the left temporal pole, with extension over the left frontal region and inferior surface of the left occipital lobe. This was associated with a ruptured saccular aneurysm of the left middle cerebral artery and adjacent intracerebral hemorrhage. The aneurysm was confirmed microscopically with reactive changes around the site of rupture at the apex of the lesion and at the margins of the intracerebral hematoma anteriorly suggesting that there had been an element of sentinel hemorrhage a few days prior to death. The pancreas had been completely effaced by firm, white, fibrous tissue containing calcific debris. At the tail of the pancreas, there was a 5 cm cyst with a smooth wall that contained white fluid with no evidence of infection. No other underlying organic diseases were present which could have caused or contributed to death. There was no evidence of a connective tissue disorder. There were no significant injuries and toxicology revealed therapeutic levels of quetiapine and temazepam, with tetrahydrocannabinol, but no alcohol or other common drugs. The other finding of note was the presence of areas of variegated pigmented skin with an arborescent pattern on the abdomen (Fig. 1) and to a lesser extent on the back. Microscopically the overlying epidermis was undulating with a basket-weave pattern of surface keratinization that ranged from a normal thickness to slight atrophy. The latter appeared due to a lichenoid reaction with foci of basal vacuolar change resulting in small numbers of apoptotic keratinocytes and papillary dermal colloid bodies. The papillary dermis showed a loose architecture from increased deposition of acid mucopolysaccharides. There was also a low grade lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate with basal layer melanin pigmentation and moderate numbers of melanophages (Fig. 2). There was no epidermal basement membrane thickening or deep dermal inflammatory cell component, nor was there sweat gland necrosis, vasculitis, deep vaso-occlusive lesions, or pancreatic fat necrosis. There were no skin changes suggestive of psoriasis (which had been noted on the extensor surface of larger joints). Death was due to intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage arising from a ruptured aneurysm of left middle cerebral artery. The striking skin lesions of a pigmented reticulate erythema on the abdominal wall were due to erythema ab igne caused by the recurrent application of a hot water bottle to the skin surface because of pain from chronic pancreatitis. & Roger W. Byard roger.byard@sa.gov.au

Histochemical characterization of the olfactory epithelium of an Indian major carp, Catla catla (Hamilton, 1822)

The present study is related to the histochemical investigations on the changes in the intensity of reactions of axons, acid and neutral mucopolysaccharides, biologically active macromolecules, particularly glycogen and protein component as well as alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) in the cells lining the olfactory epithelium of Catla catla . The intense reaction of silver stain was well-marked in the primary receptor cells and in the synaptic contacts between primary and secondary receptor cells. The maximum intensity of reaction of acid and neutral mucin as well as protein, was discernible in the secretory and non-secretory mucous cells. Various shades of glycogen were detected in the receptor cells, stratified epithelial cells and mucous cells. Concentration of ALPase was found to be associated with central core along with basement membrane. Acute ATPase activity was evidenced in the receptor cells, stratified epithelial cells and basal cells of olfactory epithelium and nerve fibers in the central core. Histochemical reactions in the various cells on the olfactory epithelium were discussed with the functional importance of the fish concerned.

Abstract 672: Histopathological Comparison of Ascending Aortic Aneurysm: Bicuspid versus Tricuspid Aortic Valve Patients

Introduction: The pathogenic mechanisms of ascending aortic aneurysm are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to identify the beginning of aortic wall dilatation based on histopathological evaluation by comparison of patients with bicuspid versus tricuspid aortic valves. Methods: Twenty-one patients (9 males, 12 females; mean age, 69±8.9 years) who underwent ascending aortic repair from 2008 to 2014 were divided into bicuspid aortic valve (n=8, Group B) and tricuspid aortic valve (n=13, Group T) subgroups. We compared the histopathological characteristics of the ascending aortic wall in these patients. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, sex, history of hypertension, and maximum diameter of the ascending aorta (Group B: 51.4±5.1 mm; Group T: 55.5±8.8 mm; p=0.247) at the time of operation. While all Group B cases exhibited aortic stenosis, there was only one case in Group T. Sclerosis or hypertrophy of the vasa vasorum was evident in both groups (Group B: 7 patients, 87.5%; Group T: 10 patients, 76.9%; p=1.000). Group B patients exhibited a much thinner aortic wall, resulting from frail smooth muscle cells of media, which induced a fragile thinner elastic lamina. The histopathological pattern of Group T was variable and included atheroma, inflammatory granulation tissue and a Marfan-like acid mucopolysaccharide pool, which produce severe fragmentation of elastic lamina. Conclusions: Degeneration of the vasa vasorum, which induces chronic ischemia or malnutrition of the aortic wall, is an important emerging substrate for the development of ascending aortic aneurysm. Bicuspid aortic valve patients exhibited congenital maldevelopment of the medial smooth muscle cells and elastic lamina. Tricuspid aortic valve patients exhibited severe fragmentation of elastic lamina, which induced by pathological changes including atheroma, inflammatory granuloma, and a Marfan-like acid mucopolysaccharide pool.

Histomorphochemical studies on cardiac conduction system of prenatal buffalo

Histomorphological and histochemical studies were conducted on cardiac conduction system of buffalo heart during prenatal development. Foetuses (20) ranging from 13 cm CVRL (87days) to 104 cm CVRL (308 days) were used for study. The heart tissues were fixed in 10% buffered neutral formalin (BNF) and routinely processed. The paraffin sections of 5–7 μm thickness were stained with various stains to study the histomorphological and histochemical details. The study revealed that sinoatrial node was subepicardial and wedged at the junction of anterior vena cava with right atrium in 25 cm CVRL (130 days) foetus. Nodal and Purkinje type specialized cells were observed in sinoatrial node. The atrio-ventricular node was present in the base of atrial septum in front of coronary sinus under the endocardium. The branch of right bundle was first noticed in 13 cm CVRL (87 days) buffalo foetus. The sinoatrial node and right bundle branch showed intense reaction for acid and neutral mucopolysaccharides and basic proteins in all the age. A moderate to strong sudanophilic reaction was found in Purkinje fibers, nodal cells of sinoatrial node and branch of right bundle.

Functional anatomy of the lacrimal gland in African black ostrich Struthio camelus domesticus in the embryonic and postnatal period.

The aim of the present study was morphological and histochemical analysis of the lacrimal gland (LG) in African black ostrich Struthio camelus domesticus in the embryonic and postnatal period. Studies were conducted on 50 ostriches aged between the 28th day of incubation until 7 months old. Tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Azan trichrome, periodic acid-Schiff, Alcian blue pH 2.5, aldehyde fuchsin and Hale's dialysed iron. The LG in ostrich was classified as a tubulo-acinar type. The primordia of the lobes were determined in the LG structure on the 28th day of incubation, whilst the weakly visible lobes with acini and tubules were observed on the 40th day of incubation. Morphometric studies of the LG showed steady growth, characterised by an increase in both length and width. Histometric measurements of lobe size showed little difference between the first, second and third age groups, whilst in the fourth age group a marked increase in size of lobes was observed. The study showed that, apart from morphological changes, during the growth of the LG the character of acid mucopolysaccharides changed. Sulphated acid mucopolysaccharides were indicated, particularly with aldehyde fuchsin (AF) staining in the fourth age group. The Hale's dialysed iron (HDI) staining showed a low concentration of carboxylated acid mucopolysaccharides in the first and second age groups and a higher concentration in the third and fourth age groups. Periodic acid-Schiff staining (PAS)-positive cells were observed in each age group, but only a small number of cells with a weakly PAS-positive reaction were demonstrated in the first age group.

Determination of the glycosylation-pattern of the middle ear mucosa in guinea pigs

In the present study the glycosylation pattern of the middle ear mucosa (MEM) of guinea pigs, an approved model for middle ear research, was characterized with the purpose to identify bioadhesive ligands which might prolong the contact time of drug delivery systems with the middle ear mucosa (MEM). To assess the utility of five fluorescein labeled plant lectins with different carbohydrate specificities as bioadhesive ligands, viable MEM specimens were incubated at 4°C and the lectin binding capacities were calculated from the MEM-associated relative fluorescence intensities. Among all lectins under investigation, fluorescein-labeled wheat germ agglutinin (F-WGA) emerged as the highest bioadhesive lectin. In general, the accessibility of carbohydrate moieties of the MEM followed the order: sialic acid and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (WGA)>>mannose and galactosamine (Lensculinaris agglutinin)>N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (Solanumtuberosum agglutinin)>fucose (Ulexeuropaeus isoagglutinin I)>>terminal mannose α-(1,3)-mannose (Galanthusnivalis agglutinin). Competitive inhibition studies with the corresponding carbohydrate revealed that F-WGA-binding was inhibited up to 90% confirming specificity of the F-WGA–MEM interaction. The cilia of the MEM were identified as F-WGA binding sites by fluorescence imaging as well as a z-stack of overlays of transmission, F-WGA- and nuclei-stained images of the MEM. Additionally, co-localisation experiments revealed that F-WGA bound to acidic mucopolysaccharides of the MEM. All in all, lectin-mediated bioadhesion to the MEM is proposed as a new concept for drug delivery to prolong the residence time of the drug in the tympanic cavity especially for successful therapy for difficult-to-treat diseases such as otitis media.

Pretreatment and Integrated Analysis of Spectral Data Reveal Seaweed Similarities Based on Chemical Diversity

Extracting useful information from high dimensionality and large data sets is a major challenge for data-driven approaches. The present study was aimed at developing novel integrated analytical strategies for comprehensively characterizing seaweed similarities based on chemical diversity. The chemical compositions of 107 seaweed and 2 seagrass samples were analyzed using multiple techniques, including Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and solid- and solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), CHNS/O total elemental analysis, and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IR-MS). The spectral data were preprocessed using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) and NMF combined with multivariate curve resolution-alternating least-squares (MCR-ALS) methods in order to separate individual component information from the overlapping and/or broad spectral peaks. Integrated analysis of the preprocessed chemical data demonstrated distinct discrimination of differential seaweed species. Further network analysis revealed a close correlation between the heavy metal elements and characteristic components of brown algae, such as cellulose, alginic acid, and sulfated mucopolysaccharides, providing a componential basis for its metal-sorbing potential. These results suggest that this integrated analytical strategy is useful for extracting and identifying the chemical characteristics of diverse seaweeds based on large chemical data sets, particularly complicated overlapping spectral data.

Light and electron microscopic study of the eyelids, conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue and lacrimal gland in Bilgorajska Goose (Anser anser).

Normal structure of the accessory organs of the eye is essential for normal eye physiology. Among the most important accessory organs of the eye are the eyelids, the conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) and the lacrimal gland (LG). The aim of this study was to demonstrate the histological structure of the eyelids and LG by histochemical and ultrastructural analysis. The study was performed on 13 adult female Bilgorajska geese. Eyelid samples were stained with the Alcian blue (AB pH 2.5) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) methods. Staining methods used for LG were AB pH 2.5, aldehyde fuchsin (AF), PAS and Hale's dialysed iron (HDI). Within the connective tissue of the eyelids, well-developed, diffuse, CALT follicles were observed, mostly under the conjunctival epithelium. Numerous lymphocytes were present within loose connective tissue. Staining of the eyelids with the PAS method demonstrated the presence of goblet cells of a mucous nature, and AB pH 2.5 staining indicated the presence of sulfated acid mucopolysaccharides. PAS staining of LG revealed the presence of secretory cells containing weakly PAS-positive granules. All epithelial cells of the corpus glandulae and the duct systems reacted positively to AB pH 2.5. HDI staining detected the presence of carboxylated acid mucopolysaccharides. Transmission electron microscopy investigations revealed two types of secretory epithelial cells in LG. Both types of LG cells contained drop-like secretory vesicles of different sizes with low or high electron density in cytoplasm, as well as small and large lipid vacuoles, and numerous small primary lysosomes.

Prenatal development of dew claws in buffalo: A histomorphochemical study

The present study was conducted on 12 buffalo foetii obtained from slaughter house. The curved crown rump length (CVRL) of all the foetii was measured and their age was estimated in days. The dew claws of forelimb and hind limb were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and processed by acetone-benzene schedule. The paraffin sections of 5–7 μm thickness were cut and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson’s trichrome, Periodic acid Schiff, alcian blue and bromphenol blue stains. At 10.0 cm CVRL, the claws comprised mesenchymal cells covered by thin epidermis with varying thickness. With advancing age at 18.0 cm CVRL, their wall was composed of 2 layers of cuboidal cells covered by a thin cornified cell layer. In 28.1 cm CVRL foetus, it was made up of stratum externum, stratum medium, stratum internum, corium and rudimentary phalanx. The stratum internum consisted of a single layer of basal cells with elongated nuclei, which rested upon the basement membrane. The epidermis of dew claws consisted of a single layer of stratum basale, 1–2 layers of stratum spinosum cells, 1–2 layers of stratum granulosum cells and an overlying keratinized layer. The corium was observed between horny lamellae of stratum internum and spongy bone. It contained collagen, reticular and elastic fibers with large number of blood vessels. At 45.5 cm CVRL, the stratum internum was made up of lamellae extending inward from stratum medium. These lamellae appeared as finger like projections at this stage and became branched at 60 cm CVRL onwards. The primary and secondary branches were also observed with the advancement of foetal age. Histochemical study revealed a moderate to strong reaction for acid and neutral mucopolysaccharides and basic proteins.

Histochemical structure and immunolocalisation of the hyaluronan system in the dromedary oviduct.

We investigated the local modulation of some histochemical properties of oviducts of the dromedary (Camelus dromedarius), focusing on the immnolocalisation of hyaluronic acid (HA) synthases (HAS2 and HAS3), hyaluronidases (HYAL2 and HYAL1) and the HA receptor CD44 in the ampulla and isthmus. Abundant acidic mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans) were detected by Alcian blue staining along the luminal surface of both ciliated and non-ciliated epithelial cells (LE). Staining for HAS2 was higher in the primary epithelial folds of the ampulla compared with the isthmus, especially in secretory cells, adluminal epithelial surface and supranuclear cell domain. HAS3 staining was stronger in the LE of the isthmus than ampulla. HYAL2 was detected in the LE in the ampulla and isthmus and was more intense in the adluminal projections of secretory cells. HYAL1 was weakly detected in the LE with no difference between the ampulla and isthmus. Strong CD44 immunostaining was present in the LE of the ampulla and isthmus. CD44 staining was higher in secretory cells than in ciliated epithelial cells and was higher in the supranuclear region than the basal region of the cytoplasm. In conclusion, we provide evidence that HA synthesis and turnover occur in the camel oviduct. Differences in HAS2 and HAS3 expression suggest regional differences in the molecular size of HA secreted in oviductal fluid that may influence oviduct-gamete interaction in the camel.

Distribution of polysaccharides and acid mucopolysaccharides in adrenal gland during prenatal development in goat

Astudy was conducted on 24 healthy and normal fetuses of non-descript goat (Capra hircus) varying from day old to 150 days of gestation. The fetuses were assigned three groups according totheirgestationalages(GrI: 0–50 days, Gr II: 51–100 days and GrIII: 101-till term). Intensity of periodic acid schiff (PAS) reaction increased in connective tissue of adrenal capsule as the age advanced. The cytoplasm of fetal and definitive cortical cells exhibited moderate to weak PAS reaction. Cytoplasm of medullary cells exhibited moderate PAS reaction. Connective tissue of capsule showed intense to moderate reaction for acid mucopolysaccharides (AMPS). The cytoplasm of fetal cortical cells and definitive cortical cells showed weak reaction for AMPS which became intense with the advancement of the age. Cytoplasm of medullary cells showed moderate to intense reaction for AMPS but weaker reaction after 130 days onwards. The wall of sinusoids, trabeculae and cytoplasm of degenerating cells showed intense reaction for AMPS.

New Records of Colleters inChamaecrista(Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae s.l.): Structural Diversity, Secretion, Functional Role, and Taxonomic Importance

Premise of research. Colleters are structures that secrete a sticky product that covers and protects the shoot apex and floral buds. In Chamaecrista, colleters have been reported in the cotyledons of three species and on the leaves of all species belonging to sect. Absus subsect. Baseophyllum. Anatomical studies using taxonomic and phylogenetic approaches are necessary to evaluate the presence, diversity, and importance of colleters for Chamaecrista.Methodology. We analyzed 55 species of Chamaecrista belonging to five of the six sections of the genus. Samples from both herbarium- and field-collected material of young vegetative and reproductive meristems were used. The material was subjected to standard anatomical study by light microscopy and SEM, and secretion was evaluated by histochemical analyses.Pivotal results. Histochemical analyses for the total proteins, total polysaccharides, acid mucopolysaccharides, pectins/mucilage, and lipids generated positive results. Six types of colleters are described ...

Succinylation-Alcian Blue Staining of Mucins on Polyvinylidene Difluoride Membranes.

Alcian blue staining has been widely used to visualize acidic mucins and mucopolysaccharides in supported molecular matrix electrophoresis (SMME) and on membrane transferred from electrophoresis gels. Mucins with low acidic glycan content, however, cannot be stained with Alcian blue, which is one of the major drawbacks of this staining method. On the other hand, periodic acid-Schiff staining can selectively visualize glycoproteins, including mucins, regardless of the acidic residue content; however, periodic acid-Schiff staining decomposes glycans. Here, we introduce succinylation-Alcian blue staining as an alternative staining method to visualize mucins, regardless of the acidic residue content, and without glycan decomposition.

Histochemical Analysis of Glycoconjugates in the Lacrimal Gland of the Camel ( Camelusdromedarius )

The mammalian lacrimal gland secretes an aqueous solution in which different chemical substances are present, including proteins and carbohydrates. The histochemical investigations on characterization of camel lacrimal secretion are limited. This study aimed to determine the histochemical properties of the dromedary camel lacrimal gland. Glandular samples of twenty healthy adult camels of both sexes were collected at Omdurman slaughterhouse, Sudan. The camel lacrimal gland was compound with tubulo-acinar mixed secretory units, having serous and mucous cells. Best’s carmine reactionwas negative, whereas a strong positive reaction to periodic acid-Schiff's (PAS) diastase resistant was observed in most of the secretory units; the reactions to alcian blue (AB pH 2.5) and aldehyde fuchsin (AF) were strong in the glandular tubules and weak or negative in the acini. Goblet cells in the epithelium of the interlobular ducts were strongly PAS, AB pH2.5 and AF positive.Both acini and tubules showed positive reactions to acid and alkaline phosphatases especially in their apical parts. These results suggest that the predominant acini secretion was serous which contained mainly neutral mucopolysaccharides, whereas the tubules secretion was mucous thatcontained sulfated and carboxylated acid mucopolysaccharides. Moreover, the different staining properties of the camel lacrimal secretion reflect various physiological functions.