Lectin Histochemical Study Research Articles

Histological, lectin histochemical and immunohistochemical study on the normal kidneys and renal lesions of African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)

Histological, lectin histochemical and immunohistochemical study on the normal kidneys and renal lesions of African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)

Observations on the glycosylation of the term placenta of the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus): A lectin histochemical study

IntroductionLittle is known about the glycosylation of placental villi and areolae of cetaceans. Term tissue from the delivered placenta of an Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) was examined using lectin histochemistry to compare trophoblast glycosylation in these two locations. MethodsPlacental blocks fixed in 10% formalin were resin-embedded before semithin sections were stained with 24 biotinylated lectins and an avidin-biotin revealing system. ResultsAreolar trophoblast was composed of large, bulbous cells packed with numerous granules compared to the smaller, cuboidal cells clothing the chorionic villi, which had a sparser, mainly subapical granule population. Both were richly glycosylated; generally areolar cells were more heavily stained apart from poor binding to some N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine termini. Most striking was the distribution of α1,2-linked fucosyl residues, weakly expressed in villous trophoblast but intensely stained in some areolar cells, also terminal sialic acids. Some lectins bound in a variable fashion. Staining of terminal α-d-mannose, which locates mainly to lysosomes, was heavy in areolar cells compared to scattered irregular foci in villous cells. Discussion and conclusionThe many intracellular inclusions reflect ongoing lysosomal breakdown of histotroph in areolar cells which often show heterogeneous glycosylation staining unlike the uniformly stained villous cells, possibly reflecting partial breakdown of ingested sialoglycoprotein, cell turnover or regional variation in uptake of histotroph. Our results indicate that Dolphin areolae are functionally distinct from villous trophoblast, performing absorptive and phagocytic functions similar to other Artiodactyla.

Histological and lectin histochemical studies in the vomeronasal organ of the Korean black goat, Capra hircus coreanae

We examined the localization of olfactory marker protein (OMP), protein gene product9.5 (PGP9.5), and glycan diversity in the vomeronasal organ (VNO) of the Korean black goat (Capra hircus coreanae) during the prenatal and postnatal periods using immunohistochemistry and lectin histochemistry. In fetal and 1-day-old goats, OMP was occasionally identified in receptor cells of the VNO sensory epithelium, and PGP9.5 was localized in both the sensory and non-sensory epithelia. In VNO from adult goats, OMP was abundant in the sensory epithelium and scarce in single cells of the non-sensory epithelium. These results suggest that OMP production is initiated in the VNO sensory epithelium (VNE) during the fetal stage, and that its activity is increased in adult VNO receptor cells and solitary cells in the non-sensory epithelium (VNSE). Furthermore, the free borders of the sensory epithelia were positive for 7 lectins, and 6 lectins were moderately and/or highly abundant in receptor cells. Supporting and basal cells, and nerve bundles had similar expression patterns. In VNE, 7 lectins were observed in the free border, and 6 in ciliated, goblet, and basal cells, and in gland acini. The intensities of WGA, LCA, and PNA were high in VSE receptor cells, and the intensity of PNA was high in ciliated cells of the VNSE. The other 3 lectins showed similar patterns throughout development. Collectively, these results confirm that the Korean black goat VNO starts developing during the late fetal stages and differentiates further after birth.

Glycan expression as a tool for a deeper understanding of a reproductive gland in a skate of economic importance.

Atlantoraja platana is an oviparous skate endemic to the south-west Atlantic Ocean, and is one of the skate species most exploited by local industrial bottom trawl fisheries. Oviparous elasmobranchs encapsulate their eggs in complex egg cases produced by the oviductal gland (OG). This organ is exclusively present in these fishes and comprises four distinct zones: club, baffle, papillary and terminal. The relative size and structural complexity of these zones correlate with mode of reproduction. Glycans are known to play major roles in reproduction so their distribution in each zone of the OG could explain the functional multiplicity of the gland in skates, but this topic has not been previously investigated. In this study, morphological, histochemical and lectin-histochemical analysis revealed various novel aspects of A. platana's OG. The club, papillary and terminal zones positively stained for periodic acid Schiff's reagent (PAS) and Alcian Blue (AB), indicating the presence of neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides. However, the buffle zone was negative for PAS and AB stains, but was positive for all the lectins used. Each zone of the OG had a characteristic pattern of glycan expression. Finally, we confirmed the presence of sperm but not sperm storage. This is the first lectin-histochemical study of the OG in chondrichtyan fish and it has proven to be an important tool to understand some of the mechanisms of fertility and reproductive success in economic important species such as A. platana.

Lectin histochemical study of the quill sebaceous gland in the dorsal skin of the Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica)

Abstract. Prawira AY, Novelina S, Farida WR, Darusman HS, Agungpriyono S. 2019. Lectin histochemical study of the quill sebaceous gland in the dorsal skin of the Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica). Biodiversitas 20: 2677-2684. In the Sunda Porcupine skin, the sebaceous glands of the quill follicles are multi-lobed alveolar and better developed than those of hair follicles. Using lectin histochemistry, we have studied the distribution of sugar-binding in the sebaceous glands of quills in comparison with those of hairs in six adult Sunda Porcupines. The skin samples from the thoracodorsal and lumbosacral regions were collected by biopsy procedure and processed for histology, histochemistry, and lectin histochemistry. The results showed that the lectin binding patterns are similar in secretory acinar parts of both types of sebaceous glands. The acini and excretory duct contained neutral carbohydrate and sugar residues. The acini also contained alpha D-mannose sugar residue, while the non-secretory excretory duct and debris in the lumen contained alpha-D-mannose, alpha-L-fucose, and α>β-N-acetylgalactosamine, and complex type N-glycan (oligosaccharide) sugar residues, as well. The present findings allowed us to suggest, that in Sunda Porcupine functions of the sebaceous glands of quills are more complex and active compared to those of the hairs.

Histochemistry of the zona pellucida of the ovary of a species with natural polyovulation: Lagostomus maximus (Rodentia, Hystricomorpha, Chinchillidae).

This study reports the histochemistry and the distribution of glycoconjugates (GCs) in the zona pellucida (ZP) of preantral, secondary, tertiary, polyovulatory and atretic follicles of ovaries from non-pregnant (NPr) and pregnant (Pr) females of Lagostomus maximus. GCs were studied using histochemical and lectin histochemical methods. The viscacha ZP was positive to all the histochemical techniques. In addition, it was observed that the intensity of staining of the ZP was constant in the different follicular stages between both female groups. The lectin histochemical study revealed that ZP was positive for certain lectins (WGA, RCA-I and CON-A) and that the labelling did not vary between the different follicular stages, but between the two groups of females. By using both histochemical techniques, it was established that the GCs present in the ZP label the complexity of the area. These results allow us to increase our knowledge on the biology of the viscacha's ovary, particularly contributing to the study of polyovulation.

Lectin histochemical studies on the olfactory gland and two types of gland in vomeronasal organ of the brown bear

Olfaction is mediated by the vomeronasal and main olfactory systems, and the peripheral vomeronasal organ (VNO) processes species-specific chemicals that are associated with various behaviors in mammals. Sensory epithelial surfaces of the olfactory mucosa and VNO are covered by mucosal fluid that contains secretory products derived from associated glands, and glycoconjugates in the mucosal fluid are involved in odorant reception. The VNO of brown bears contains two types of glands; submucosal vomeronasal glands (VNG) and multicellular intraepithelial glands (MIG). The present study determined the labelling profiles of 21 lectins in the olfactory glands (OG), VNG and MIG of young male brown bears. The OG reacted with 12 lectins, and the VNG and MIG were positive for seven and eight lectins, respectively. Six lectins bound only to the OG, while four reacted with both or either of the VNG and MIG, but not the OG. The differences of lectin labelling pattern between the OG and glands in the VNO suggest that glycans in covering mucosal fluids differ between the olfactory mucosa and VNO. In addition, Bandeiraea simplicifolia lectin-I, Sophora japonica agglutinin and Jacalin reacted with the MIG but not the VNG, whereas Datura stramonium lectin and concanavalin A bound to the VNG, but not the MIG. These findings indicate that the properties of secretory substances differ between the two types of glands in the bear VNO, and that the various secretions from these two types of glands may function in the lumen of VNO together.

Lectin binding patterns and immunohistochemical antigen detection in placenta and lungs of Brucella abortus-bovine infected fetuses.

Lectin binding relies on the affinity of these substances for specific terminal sugars. The method facilitates the identification of complex structures to which the terminal sugar attaches and may reveal physiological or pathological changes in cells, intracellular interactions or extracellular transport pathways. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of infection with Brucella abortus on the pattern of lectin binding in bovine fetal lungs (n=6) and bovine placentas (n=5). Fetal lungs and placenta from heifers experimentally inoculated with B. abortus, strain 2308 were examined by histological, lectin-histochemical, immunohistochemical and cultural techniques. B. abortus antigens were immunohistochemically detected in fetal lungs and placenta. An increase in the labeling with UEA-1, DBA, PNA, RCA-1 and SBA was found in the lungs and an increase in the labeling with UEA-1, ConA, PNA, DBA was found in the placentas. The present lectin histochemical study revealed a distinctive pattern of oligosaccharide distribution in the lungs and placenta of B. abortus-infected fetuses.

Glycan diversity in the vomeronasal organ of the Korean roe deer, Capreolus pygargus: A lectin histochemical study

Glycans in the epithelium play an important role in cell-to-cell communication and adhesion. No detailed evaluation of glycoconjugates in the vomeronasal organs (VNO) of the roe deer has been published previously. The aim of this study was to characterize glycan epitopes in the vomeronasal sensory epithelium (VSE) and non-sensory epithelium (VNSE) using lectin histochemistry. Glycan epitopes identified by lectin histochemistry were grouped as follows: N‐acetylglucosamine (s-WGA, WGA, BSL-II, DSL, LEL, STL), mannose (Con A, LCA, PSA), galactose (RCA120, BSL-I, Jacalin, PNA, ECL), N-acetylgalactosamine (VVA, DBA, SBA, and SJA), fucose (UEA-I) and complex type N-glycan (PHA-E and PHA-L) groups. The free border of the VSE was positive for all 21 lectins, and 18 of the lectins (excluding DBA, SJA, and PHA-L) showed weak and/or moderate staining in the receptor cells. The supporting cells were weakly positive for 19 lectins (excluding PNA and SJA). Moreover, 17 lectins (excluding BSL-II, Jacalin, PNA, and SJA) were expressed in the basal cells. In the VNSE of roe deer, the free border showed staining for all 21 lectins examined. The ciliated cells were positive for 16 lectins (excluding BSL-II, DSL, PNA, VVA, and SJA). Furthermore, 15 lectins (excluding DSL, LEL, ECL, UEA-I, PHA-E, and PHA-L) were expressed in goblet cells. Twenty lectins (excluding SJA) were expressed in the acini of the vomeronasal glands. Collectively, both VSE and VNSE were rich in N-acetylglucosamine, mannose, galactose, N‐acetylgalactosamine, fucose, and complex-type N-glycans, although the different cell types of the VSE and VNSE expressed different glycoconjugates of varying intensities, suggesting that these carbohydrate residues may be involved in odor perception as well as cell-to-cell communication in the VNO.

A lectin histochemical study to detect variation in glycosylation at the feto-maternal interface in three interbreeding equine species

IntroductionIn this study, we compare glycosylation at the fetomaternal interface in 3 equine species: horse, donkey and zebra, all of which can interbreed to produce hybrids, to assess their glycan similarities and differences. MethodsSections cut from 3 specimens of horse (Equus caballus) placenta (50, 200 and 280 days gestation), one donkey (Equus asinus) placenta (65 cm crown-rump length) and 5 specimens of zebra (Equus quagga) placentae (81–239 days gestation) were stained with a panel of 24 biotinylated lectins using an avidin-peroxidase revealing system. ResultsThere were only slight quantitative differences in the lectin histochemistry at the feto-maternal interface between all three specimens; zebra placentae expressed more α2,6-linked sialic acid, with α1,2fucosyl residues at the microvillous interface. However, zebra trophoblast showed histological differences from the other two species, with polarised cells, prominent supranuclear Golgi bodies, and fewer intracellular granules. DiscussionOur findings appear to confirm the hypothesis that closely related, interbreeding species with epitheliochorial placentae express similar glycans at the feto-maternal interface, thereby supporting the existence of a placental glycocode. We also observed intraspecies evolutionary diversion to be associated with a different histological architecture and the absence of significant intracellular granules.

Immunohistochemical, lectin histochemical and ultrastructural studies of canine transmissible venereal tumor in Brazil

ABSTRACT: Canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) is a naturally occurring contagious round-cell neoplasia, with poorly understood origin and transmission. This study aims to further investigate the tumor nature through immunohistochemistry, lectin histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, and to provide support for diagnostic and differential diagnoses of CTVT. Immunohistochemistry was performed in 10 genital and six exclusively extragenital tumors, which were previously diagnosed by citology and histopathology. CTVT samples were incubated with biotinylated antibodies to specific membrane and cytoplasmic antigens (anti-lysozyme, anti-macrophage, anti-vimentin, anti-CD18, monoclonal anti-CD117, monoclonal anti-CD3, polyclonal anti-CD117, polyclonal CD3 and anti-CD79a), followed by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique. The lectins Con A, DBA, SBA, PNA, UEA-1, WGA, sWGA, GSL, JSA, PSA, PHA-L, PHA-E and RCA were additionally tested in four genital CTVTs and TEM was performed in eight genital tumors. The anti-vimentin antibody revealed strong immunoreactivity to neoplastic cells in all the assessed samples (16/16). The polyclonal anti-CD3 antibodies showed moderate to strong immunoreactivity in fourteen (14/16) and the polyclonal anti-CD117 in fifteen cases (15/16). There was no immunoreactivity to anti-lysozyme, anti-macrophage, anti-CD18, monoclonal anti-CD117, monoclonal anti-CD3 and anti-CD79a antibodies. At lectin histochemistry, it was observed strong staining of tumor cells to Con-A, PHA-L and RCA. There was no histopathological and immunoreactivity differences between genital and extragenital CTVTs. These findings do not support the hypothesis of histiocytic origin of CTVT. In contrast, the lectin histochemical results were similar to cells from lymphoid/myeloid origin.

Network analysis of adhesion/growth-regulatory galectins and their binding sites in adult chicken retina and choroid.

The highly ordered multilayered organization of the adult chicken retina is a suitable test model for examining zonal distribution of the members of a bioeffector family. Based on the concept of the sugar code, the functional pairing of glycan epitopes with cognate receptors (lectins) is emerging as a means to explain the control of diverse physiological activities. Having recently completed the biochemical characterization of all seven adhesion/growth-regulatory galectins present in chicken, it was possible to establish how the individual characteristics of their expression profiles add up to shape the galectin network, which until now has not been defined at this level of complexity. This information will also have relevance in explaining the region-specific presence of glycan determinants in the retina, as illustrated in the first part of this study using a panel of nine plant/fungal agglutinins. The following systematic monitoring of the galectins yielded patterns for which quantitative and qualitative differences were detected. Obviously, positivity in distinct layers is not confined to a single protein of this family, e.g. CG-1A, CG-3 or CG-8. These results underline the requirement for network analysis for these proteins that can functionally interact in additive or antagonistic modes. Labeling of the tissue galectins facilitated profiling of their accessible binding sites. It also revealed differences among the galectin family members, highlighting the ability of this method to define binding properties on the level of tissue sections. Methodologically, the detection of endogenous lectins intimates that cognate glycans can become inaccessible, a notable caveat for lectin histochemical studies.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND LECTIN HISTOCHEMICAL FEATURES OF WHITE NONLINEAR RATS MYOCARDIUM DURING EXPERIMENTAL HYPOTHYROIDISM

General morphology and glycoconjugates of myocardium structural components has been studied in control and experimental animals. Experiments were performed on mature rats - males with weight 150-180g, who were divided into two groups (10 control and 10 experimental). Exogenous ypothyroidism was induced by daily administration of food thyreostatic drug mercazolilum at a dose of 7 mg / kg body weight within 30 days. After 30 days the animal euthanasia was performed by an overdose of ether anesthesia. Histological material (pieces of myocardium from ventricular areas and thyroid gland) were fixed in 4% neutral formalin, dehydrated, compacted and embedded in paraffin. Sections 5-7 μm thick were stained by hematoxylin and eosin for general morphology. Glycoconjugate carbohydrate determinants of myocardium structural components were studied by lectin-peroxidase technique using LABA (LFuc), HPA (NAcDGal), WGA (DGlcNAc>NeuNAc) lectins. Function control of thyroid gland was performed by investigation of thyroid glands morphology after staining slides by hematoxylin and eosin, and by determining T3 and T4 hormones in blood serum using radiological method by means of standard sets. It is shown that in hypothyroidism hypechromia of cardiomyocytes’ nuclei, expansion of myocardial vascular lumen, perivascular edema and insignificant interstitial infiltration by leukocytes, local area accumulations of adipocytes are observed. Based on lectin histochemical studies it is shown modification of lectin receptors in the nuclei of cardiomyocytes and in endothelial cells of the microcirculatory bed, thus indicating the change of intensity of metabolic processes in cardiac myocytes and endothelial cells of the microcirculatory bed on the background of experimental hypothyroidism. DGlcNAc> NeuNAc-specific WGA lectin may be a marker of endothelial cells.

Histological and lectin histochemical studies of the vomeronasal organ of horses

The morphological characteristics and glycoconjugate composition of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) of the horse was investigated using histological, immunohistochemical, and lectin histochemical methods. The VNO is bilaterally located at the base of the nasal septum, has a tubular structure surrounded by cartilage, and consists of sensory and non-sensory epithelia. Immunohistochemical examination showed that the vomeronasal sensory epithelium (VSE) consisted of receptor cells positive for both olfactory marker protein (OMP) and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), supporting cells, and basal cells. VNO receptor cells were positive for G protein Gαi2 (vomeronasal receptor type 1 marker), but not Gαo (vomeronasal receptor type 2 marker). Lectin histochemical studies using 21 biotinylated lectins showed that the free border of the VSE was positive for 20 lectins. The receptor and supporting cells reacted with 16 lectins while the basal cells reacted with 15 lectins, with varying intensities. In the vomeronasal non-sensory epithelium, the free border was positive for 19 lectins. The cilated cells were positive for 17 lectins and the basal cells were positive for 15 lectins. The vomeronasal glands, positioned in the lamina propria, were stained with both periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and alcian blue (pH 2.5). Eighteen lectins stained the acinar cells of the vomeronasal glands with various binding patterns. These findings suggest that horse VNO receptor cells express vomeronasal receptor type 1, and the VNO glands have mucous to seromucous characteristics. Moreover, each lectin differentially binds each cell type in both the VNO sensory and non-sensory epithelia.

Immunohistochemical and lectin histochemical studies on the developing olfactory organs of fetal camel.

Little is known about the development of the olfactory organs of camel. In this study, prenatal development and neuronal differentiation of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and the olfactory epithelium (OE) of the one-humped camel were studied by immunohistochemistry and lectin histochemistry. A neuronal marker, protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, but not a marker of fully differentiated olfactory receptor cells, olfactory marker protein, intensely labeled the olfactory receptor cells of the VNO and OE at 395 mm, 510 mm, and 530 mm fetal ages, indicating that the olfactory receptor cells are differentiated, but not fully matured both in the VNO and the OE. In 187 mm and 190 mm fetuses, PGP 9.5 yielded faint immunoreactive signals in the VNO, but not in the OE, although the presence of olfactory receptor cells were demonstrated in both tissues by intense WGA and LEL stainings. We conclude that the camel VNO and OE bear differentiated, but still immature receptor cells; in addition, the onset of neuronal differentiation seems to be somewhat earlier in the VNO than in the OE till half of the prenatal life.

The binucleate cell of Okapi and Giraffe placenta shows distinctive glycosylation compared with other ruminants: A lectin histochemical study

The placenta of ruminants contains characteristic binucleate cells (BNC) with a highly conserved glycan structure which evolved early in Ruminant phylogenesis. Giraffe and Okapi placentae also contain these cells and it is not known whether they have a similar glycan array. We have used lectin histochemistry to examine the glycosylation of these cells in these species and compare them with bovine BNC which have a typical ruminant glycan composition. Two placentae, mid and near term, from Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) and two term placenta of Okapi (Okapia johnstoni) were embedded in resin and stained with a panel of 23 lectins and compared with near-term bovine (Bos taurus) placenta. Significant differences were found in the glycans of Giraffe and Okapi BNC compared with those from the bovine, with little or no expression of terminal αN-acetylgalactosamine bound by Dolichos biflorus and Vicia villosa agglutinins which instead bound to placental blood vessels. Higher levels of N-acetylglucosamine bound by Lycopersicon esculentum and Phytolacca americana agglutinins were also apparent. Some differences between Okapi and Giraffe were evident. Most N-linked glycans were similarly expressed in all three species as were fucosyl residues. Interplacentomal areas in Giraffe and Bovine showed differences from the placentomal cells though no intercotyledonary BNC were apparent in Okapi. In conclusion, Giraffidae BNC developed different glycan biosynthetic pathways following their split from the Bovidae with further differences evolving as Okapi and Giraffe diverged from each other, affecting both inter and placentomal BNC which may have different functions during development.

Histological and lectin histochemical studies on the olfactory mucosae of the Korean roe deer, Capreolus pygargus.

The morphological features of the olfactory mucosae of Korean roe deer, Capreolus pygargus, were histologically studied using the ethmoid turbinates containing the olfactory mucosae from six roe deer (male, 2-3 years old). The ethmoid turbinates were embedded in paraffin, and histochemically evaluated in terms of the mucosal characteristics. Lectin histochemistry was performed to investigate the carbohydrate-binding specificity on the olfactory mucosa. Lectins, including Triticum vulgaris wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA-I), and soybean agglutinin (SBA) were used for the N-acetylglucosamine, fucose and N-acetylgalactosamine carbohydrate groups, respectively. Histologically, the olfactory mucosa, positioned mainly in the caudal roof of the nasal cavity, consisted of the olfactory epithelium and the lamina propria. The olfactory epithelium consisted of protein gene product (PGP) 9.5-positive olfactory receptor cells, galectin-3-positive supporting cells and basal cells. Bowman's glands in the lamina propria were stained by both the periodic acid Schiff reagent and alcian blue (pH 2.5). Two types of lectin, WGA and SBA, were labeled in free border, receptor cells, supporting cells and Bowman's glands, with the exception of basal cells, while UEA-I was labeled in free border, supporting cells and Bowman's glands, but not in receptor cells and basal cells, suggesting that carbohydrate terminals on the olfactory mucosae of roe deer vary depending on cell type. This is the first morphological study of the olfactory mucosa of the Korean roe deer to evaluate carbohydrate terminals in the olfactory mucosae.

Trophoblast specialisations during pregnancy in the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii: A morphological and lectin histochemical study

IntroductionThe tammar wallaby has a short gestation (26.5 days) and vascular modifications to expedite transport during that brief pregnancy. Here we examine trophoblast structural attributes that would facilitate materno-fetal exchange. Materials and methodsFour specimens of Macropus eugenii between days 23 and 26 gestation were examined using electron microscopy and 24 lectins to characterise glycosylated secretions and their internalisation. ResultsTwo trophoblast phenotypes were found, flattened cells generally in contact with the underlying uterine epithelium and giant cells associated with histiotrophe. The latter appeared to penetrate uterine clefts, occasionally detach and become necrotic. Lectin histochemistry and ultrastructure indicated the presence of many lysosomes and residual bodies especially in trophoblast giant cells; these contained glycans, mainly apically, which were also detected in secretions and cell debris. Trophoblast basal membranes bore extensive filopodia. Giant cells were less common in vascular trilaminar areas and here the trophoblast barrier became thinner near term. DiscussionLoss of Maackia amurensis agglutinin binding suggested cleavage of terminal sialic acid residues as an early post-internalisation event in the trophoblast. Lectin staining indicated degradation occurred in an apical–basal direction, and the heavily glycosylated basal membrane appeared specialised for transport out of the cell. ConclusionGranules seen ultrastructurally and histochemically, particularly in giant trophoblast cells of the bilaminar area, suggest that internalised histiotrophe is broken down here and nutrients transferred to the embryo via the specialised basal plasma membrane. The trilaminar vascular area contained mostly flattened trophoblast cells, supporting the suggestion that gaseous exchange is its primary function.

Histological and Lectin Histochemical Studies on the Olfactory and Respiratory Mucosae of the Sheep

ABSTRACTThe olfactory and respiratory mucosae of the Corriedale sheep were examined using lectin histochemistry in order to clarify the histochemical and glycohistochemical differences between these two tissues. The olfactory epithelium was stained with 13 lectins out of 21 lectins examined, while the respiratory epithelium was positive to 16 lectins. The free border of both of the olfactory and respiratory epithelia was stained with 12 lectins: Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), succinylated-wheat germ agglutinin (s-WGA), Lycopersicon esculentum lectin (LEL), Solanum tuberosum lectin (STL), Datura stramonium lectin (DSL), Soybean agglutinin (SBA), Bandeiraea simplicifolia lectin-I (BSL-I), Ricinus communis agglutinin-I (RCA-120), Erythrina cristagalli lectin (ECL), Concanavalin A (Con A), Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin-E (PHA-E) and Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin-L (PHA-L). The associated glands of the olfactory mucosa, Bowman’s glands, were stained with 13 lectins. While both the goblet cells and mucous nasal glands were stained with 8 lectins; five of them (WGA, s-WGA, STL, Vicia villosa agglutinin (VVA) and ECL) were mutually positive among the Bowman’s glands, mucous nasal glands and the goblet cells. These findings indicate that the glycohistochemical characteristics of the free borders of both olfactory and respiratory epithelia are similar to each other, suggesting that secretions from the Bowman’s glands and those of the goblet cells and mucous nasal glands are partially exchanged between the surface of two epithelia to contribute the functions of the respiratory epithelium and the olfactory receptor cells, respectively.

Histological and Lectin Histochemical Studies on the Main and Accessory Olfactory Bulbs in the Japanese Striped Snake, <i>Elaphe quadrivirgata</i>

The main and accessory olfactory bulbs were examined by histological methods and lectin histochemistry in the Japanese striped snake. As the results, the histological properties are similar between the main olfactory bulb and the accessory olfactory bulb. In lectin histochemistry, 21 lectins used in this study showed similar binding patterns in the main olfactory bulb and the accessory olfactory bulb. In detail, 15 lectins stained these olfactory bulbs with similar manner, and 6 lectins did not stain them at all. Two lectins, Lycopersicon esculentum lectin (LEL) and Solanum tuberosum lectin (STL), stained the nerve and glomerular layers and did not stain any other layers in both olfactory bulbs. Four lectins, Soybean agglutinin (SBA), Vicia villosa agglutinin (VVA), Peanut agglutinin (PNA) and Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin-L (PHA-L) stained the nerve and glomerular layers more intensely than other layers in both olfactory bulbs. In addition, VVA showed the dot-like stainings in the glomeruli of both olfactory bulbs. These findings suggest that the degree of development and the properties of glycoconjugates are similar between the main olfactory bulb and the accessory olfactory bulb in the Japanese striped snake.