Lectin binding of surface epithelia and concomitant glands of gallbladder and biliary ducts in the guinea pig

Summary Complex carbohydrate components of secretory granules and the glycocalix were analysed in surface epithelia, endoepithelial glands and exoepithelial tubuloalveolar glands of the biliary-ductular system (guinea pig). Brunner glands and pyloric glands were studied for comparison. The columnar epithelial cells of the gallbladder and biliary ducts displayed a well-developed PAS-positive apical glycocalix. These materials strongly bound Ricinus communis AI, Ulex europaeus I, Lotus tetragonolobus A and wheat-germ-A lectins. With the exception of Lotus A lectin which did not bind at all, the same lectins stained the basolateral cell surface. The secretory granules in the supranuclear regions of surface epithelia and in the exoepithelial glands strongly bound Ricinus A I, Ulex europaeus I, wheat-germ-A and Helix pomatia lectins. Concanavalin A was less intensively bound by the secretions of tubuloalveolar glands than by the secretory granules in surface epithelia. The luminal and basolateral cell surfaces of glandular cells in the exoepithelial glands were stained by the same spectrum of lectins as were the less distinct. In the guinea pig, the lectin-binding patterns of tubuloalveolar glands in the biliary ducts closely resembled those of Brunner glands and pyloric glands. The secretions of the tubuloalveolar glands were different from the secretion of surface epithelia, as they bound Concanavalin A less intensively.     

Seasonal lectin binding variations of thumb pad in the frog (Pelophylax ridibundus)

The thumb pad is one of the most common secondary sexual characteristics in frogs. Although it is known that amphibian skin has affinity for several lectins, there is no report regarding lectin‐binding affinity of the thumb pad or its structural components. This study investigated localization and seasonal variation of specific carbohydrate moieties of glycoconjugates in both the epidermal and dermal components of the frog thumb pad at the light microscopic level using lectin histochemistry. The study consisted of four seasonal groups of the frog species, Pelophylax ridibundus (Synonym of Rana ridibunda): active, prehibernating, hibernating and posthibernating. Four horseradish peroxidase conjugated lectins were employed. It was found that dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), and ulex europaeus (UEAI) gave positive reactions in both epidermal layers and breeding glands. These three lectins bound specific secretory cells in the breeding glands, and the distribution of the cells and epithelial lectin reactions exhibited seasonal changes. In addition, UEA‐I and peanut agglutinin (PNA) showed an affinity in granular glands and the granular zone of mixed glands. Generally, epidermal lectin binding showed dense affinity during the posthibernation period. DBA, UEA‐I, and WGA‐specific cells in the mucous gland decreased gradually until the posthibernation period. These findings suggest that differences of lectin binding in the thumb pad may be related to functional activities and, thus, seasonal adaptations. Moreover, the presence of specific lectin‐binding cells in the breeding glands indicated that they consisted of heterogeneous secretory cell composition or that the cells were at different secretory stages. J. Morphol. 275:76–86, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Lectin binding of surface epithelia and concomitant glands of gallbladder and biliary ducts in the guinea pig

Complex carbohydrate components of secretory granules and the glycocalix were analysed in surface epithelia, endoepithelial glands and exoepithelial tubuloalveolar glands of the biliary-ductular system (guinea pig). Brunner glands and pyloric glands were studied for comparison. The columnar epithelial cells of the gallbladder and biliary ducts displayed a well-developed PAS-positive apical glycocalix. These materials strongly bound Ricinus communis A I, Ulex europaeus I, Lotus tetragonolobus A and wheat-germ-A lectins. With the exception of Lotus A lectin which did not bind at all, the same lectins stained the basolateral cell surface. The secretory granules in the supranuclear regions of surface epithelia and in the exoepithelial glands strongly bound Ricinus A I, Ulex europaeus I, wheat-germ-A and Helix pomatia lectins. Concanavalin A was less intensively bound by the secretions of tubuloalveolar glands than by the secretory granules in surface epithelia. The luminal and basolateral cell surfaces of glandular cells in the exoepithelial glands were stained by the same spectrum of lectins as were the columnar cells of surface epithelia, but the staining was less distinct. In the guinea pig, the lectin-binding patterns of tubuloalveolar glands in the biliary ducts closely resembled those of Brunner glands and pyloric glands. The secretions of the tubuloalveolar glands were different from the secretion of surface epithelia, as they bound Concanavalin A less intensively.     

Lectin histochemical study on the infraorbital gland of the Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus)

Histology and lectin histochemistry were performed in the infraorbital gland of the Japanese serow. The gland is composed of glandular tissues and a pouch filled with the secretion. The tissues consist of an inner layer of sebaceous glands and an outer layer of apocrine glands. The male sebaceous layer is made up of the ordinary type, whereas the female's layer consists of the ordinary and modified types. In the apocrine gland stained with Arachis hypogaea (PNA), nine different patterns of glandular tubules were distinguished on the basis of staining of the cytoplasm, the Golgi area of secretory cells and secretion. Secretory modes of apocrine secretion and exocytosis were included in these stainings. Myoepithelial cells stained constantly with Glycine max (SBA) except when only the Golgi area of secretory cells was positive. The modified sebaceous gland was stained with PNA, SBA, Ricinus communis I (RCA), Triticum vulgaris (WGA), Canavalia ensiformis (Con A) and Ulex europaeus I (UEA), while the ordinary type was positive in PNA, RCA, SBA, WGA and Con A. The secretion in the pouch was stained with PNA, RCA, SBA, Dolichos biflorus (DBA), WGA and Con A. These findings suggest that the modified sebaceous gland contains large amounts of glycoconjugates and the apocrine gland shows a cyclic secretory process of apocrine secretion and exocytosis.     

Calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactive cells in the secretory portions of rat sweat glands

Summary We found cells with calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity and with many cored vesicles in the secretory portions of sweat glands of rat foot pads. About 10% of sweat glands contained single immunoreactive cells. The immunoreactive cells were flaskshaped, with a narrow apex facing the glandular lumen and the bulk of the cell body in the basal half of the glandular wall. In the cytoplasm, there were many vesicles, 100–250 nm in diameter, with cores of various electron densities. These cytochemical and cytological characteristics suggest that the immunoreactive cells are homologous to gastrointestinal basal granulated cells.     

Histology and ultrastructure of the salivary glands in Bulla striata (Mollusca, Opisthobranchia)

Abstract. The ribbon‐shaped salivary glands in Bulla striata were studied with light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Secretion is produced in tubules formed by two types of secretory cells, namely granular mucocytes and vacuolated cells, intercalated with ciliated cells. A central longitudinal duct lined by the same cell types collects the secretion and conducts it to the buccal cavity. In granular mucocytes, the nucleus is usually central and the secretory vesicles contain oval‐shaped granular masses attached to the vesicle membrane. Glycogen granules can be very abundant, filling the space around the secretory vesicles. These cells are strongly stained by PAS reaction for polysaccharides. Their secretory vesicles are also stained by Alcian blue, revealing acidic mucopolysaccharides, and the tetrazonium reaction detects proteins in minute spots at the edge of the vesicles, corresponding to the granular masses observed in TEM. Colloidal iron staining for acidic mucopolysaccharides in TEM reveals iron particles in the electron‐lucent region of the vesicles, while the granular masses are free of particles. In vacuolated cells, which are thinner and less abundant than the granular mucocytes, the nucleus is basal and the cytoplasm contains large electron‐lucent vesicles. These vesicles are very weakly colored by light microscopy techniques, but colloidal iron particles could be observed within them. The golf tee‐shaped ciliated cells contain some electron‐dense lysosomes in the apical region. In these cells, the elongated nucleus is subapically located, and bundles of microfibrils are common in the slender cytoplasmic stalk that reaches the basal lamina. The morphological, histochemical, and cytochemical data showed some similarities between salivary glands in B. striata and Aplysia depilans. These similarities could reflect the phylogenetic relationship between cephalaspidean and anaspidean opisthobranchs or result from a convergent adaptation to an identical herbivorous diet.     

The cytochemistry of glycoconjugates in the planum nasolabial gland of the goat as studied by electron microscopic methods

Summary In the planum nasolabial glands of the goat, glycoconjugates of glandular and duct cells have been studied by means of a series of electron microscopic cytochemical methods. In the glandular cells glycoconjugates with vicinal diol groupings were present in secretory granules, certain elements of the Golgi complex, lysosome-like dense bodies, the surface coat of the plasma membrane, the majority of intracellular cytomembranes, glycogen particles and the basal lamina. In duct cells, glycoconjugates with the same properties were localized in similar ultrastructures, except for secretory granules, which were not detected in these cells. By lectin cytochemistry, glycoconjugates in glandular cell secretory granules contained a variety of saccharide residues such as -d-mannose, -d-glucose,N-acetyl-d-glucosamine and -l-fucose. The cytochemical properties of the secretory glycoconjugates are discussed in relation to the physiological functions performed by the planum nasolabial glands in the goat.     

Whale tear glands in the bowhead and the beluga whales: Source and function

Orbital glands are found in many tetrapod vertebrates, and are usually separate structures, consisting of individual glands lying in the eyelids and both canthi of the orbit. In cetaceans, however, the orbital glandular units are less distinct and have been described by numerous authors as a single, periorbital mass. There are few histochemical and immunhistochemical studies to date of these structures. In this study, we examined the orbital glandular region of both the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus: Mysticeti) and the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas: Odontoceti) using histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical techniques. Histologically, in the bowhead, three glandular areas were noted (circumorbital, including Harderian and lacrimal poles), palpebral (midway in the lower eyelid), and rim (near the edge of the eyelid). In the beluga, there was only a large, continuous mass within the eyelid itself. Histochemical investigation suggests neither sexual dimorphism nor age-related differences, but both whales had two cell types freely intermingling with each other in all glandular masses. Large cells (cell type 1) were distended by four histochemically distinct intracellular secretory granules. Smaller cells (cell type 2) were not distended (fewer granules) and had two to three histochemically distinct intracellular secretory granules. The beluga orbital glands had additional lipid granules in cell type 1. Counterintuitively, both lipocalin and transferrin were localized to cell type 2 only. This intermingling of cell types is unusual for vertebrates in whom individual orbital glands usually have one cell type with one to two different secretory granules present. The heterogeneity of the orbital fluid produced by cetacean orbital glands implies a complex function, or series of functions, for these orbital glands and their role in producing the tear fluid.     

New insights into sexually dimorphic skin glands of anurans: The structure and ultrastructure of the mental and lateral glands in Hypsiboas punctatus (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae)

Many anuran species are characterized by sexually dimorphic skin glands. These glands often are concentrated on specific areas, such as the mental region, flanks, or the nuptial pads. We studied the histology and histochemistry of mental and lateral glands in Hypsiboas punctatus, and compared them to skin from other body regions. We describe four types of dermal glands, two types of mucous and two types of serous glands. The mucous glands are formed by a single layered epithelium. The mucocytes surrounding a central lumen are filled with polyhedral granules. Ordinary mucous glands are small sized glands with cubical epithelium, mucoid content, and small granules. Specialized mucous glands are characterized by a larger size, a columnar epithelium, a proteinaceous content and larger granules. Both types of serous glands are syncytial and share some structural features including size, shape, and morphology of secretory granules. However, ordinary and specialized serous glands differ in their histochemical properties, size and appearance of secretory granules, and glandular outlets. The specialized type of mucous glands in H. punctatus resembles most SDSGs described in anurans, whereas the presence of specialized serous glands that are sexually dimorphic is less common. Both specialized glands occur only in mental and lateral regions of males, whereas ordinary mucous and ordinary serous glands occur in males and females. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Lectin binding pattern and proteoglycan distribution in human eccrine sweat glands

The distribution pattern of glycoconjugates in human eccrine sweat glands has been studied by the binding of newly discovered lectins and by antibodies against a chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan and chondroitin sulphate glycosaminoglycans. Mannose-specific lectins labelled large intracellular granules, part of which could be extended cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus. In contrast, lectins specific for terminal mannose/glucose residues predominantly labelled basement membranes and the glycocalyx. Lectins recognizing terminal N-acetylgalactosamine groups left most parts of the glands unstained, but stained some dark cells intensely. These last cells were also intensively labelled by N-acetylglucosamine-specific and by fucose-specific lectins. Sialic acid residues were preferentially located in luminal borders of secretory coils. No terminal galactose residues were detected. All antibodies against chondroitin glycoconjugates stained large granules similar to those revealed by the mannose-specific lectins in the secretory cells. The basement membrane is only stained by the proteoglycan antibody and the chondroitin-6-sulphate antibody.Thus, a complex composition of glycoconjugates exists not only in matrix elements but also in the cells of eccrine glands of the human skin. A possible secretion of glycoconjugates is discussed.     

Heterogeneity of the blood group ABH antigens and variation in the expression of these antigens of secretory granules in human cervical glands

Summary Cytochemical localization of blood group ABH antigens was examined in secretory cells of human cervical glands by application of a post-embedding lectin-gold as well as immuno-gold labeling procedure using monoclonal antibodies. Blood group specific lectins such as Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), Helix pomatia agglutinin (HPA), Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin I-B₄ (GSAI-B₄) and Ulex europaeus agglutinin-I (UEA-I) reacted with secretory granules but not with other cytoplasmic organellae such as nucleus and cell membrane. The reactivity of secretory granules with these lectins showed strict dependence on the blood group and secretor status of tissue donors. The binding patterns with these lectins were not homogeneous, but exhibited marked cellular and subcellular heterogeneity. Thus, for example, in blood group A individuals, some granules were stained strongly with DBA and others were weakly or not at all with the lectin. Such a heterogenous labeling with the lectin was observed even in the same cells. Similar results were obtained with UEA-I and GSAI-B₄ staining in blood group O and B secretor individuals, respectively. Monoclonal antibodies likewise reacted specifically with the granules but they occasionally bound to some nucleus. The labeling pattern of the antibodies with the granules was essentially the same as those of lectins. However, difference was also observed between monoclonal antibody and lectin staining, that is, monoclonal anti-A antibody reacted weakly but consistently with granules from blood group A nonsecretors but DBA (HPA) did not; staining with UEA-I was observed in granules from the secretor individuals of any blood groups whereas monoclonal anti-H antibody reacted with granules from blood group O and some A secretor individuals but not from B and AB secretor individuals; GSAI-B₄ reacted uniformly with granules throughout the cells whereas monoclonal anti-B antibody bound to limited number of granules in the same cells. This was confirmed by the double labeling experiments with the lectin and the antibody. These results suggest that the different types of antigens as to the binding ability for monoclonal antibodies and lectins are expressed on different granules in the same cell.     

Programmed cell death in the larval salivary glands of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Apis mellifera</Emphasis> (Hymenoptera,Apidae)

The morphological and histochemical features of degeneration in honeybee (Apis mellifera) salivary glands were investigated in 5th instar larvae and in the pre-pupal period. The distribution and activity patterns of acid phosphatase enzyme were also analysed. As a routine, the larval salivary glands were fixed and processed for light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Tissue sections were subsequently stained with haematoxylin-eosin, bromophenol blue, silver, or a variant of the critical electrolyte concentration (CEC) method. Ultrathin sections were contrasted with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. Glands were processed for the histochemical and cytochemical localization of acid phosphatase, as well as biochemical assay to detect its activity pattern. Acid phosphatase activity was histochemically detected in all the salivary glands analysed. The cytochemical results showed acid phosphatase in vesicles, Golgi apparatus and lysosomes during the secretory phase and, additionally, in autophagic structures and luminal secretion during the degenerative phase. These findings were in agreement with the biochemical assay. At the end of the 5th instar, the glandular cells had a vacuolated cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei, and epithelial cells were shed into the glandular lumen. The transition phase from the 5th instar to the pre-pupal period was characterized by intense vacuolation of the basal cytoplasm and release of parts of the cytoplasm into the lumen by apical blebbing; these blebs contained cytoplasmic RNA, rough endoplasmic reticule and, occasionally, nuclear material. In the pre-pupal phase, the glandular epithelium showed progressive degeneration so that at the end of this phase only nuclei and remnants of the cytoplasm were observed. The nuclei were pyknotic, with peripheral chromatin and blebs. The gland remained in the haemolymph and was recycled during metamorphosis. The programmed cell death in this gland represented a morphological form intermediate between apoptosis and autophagy.     

Cytochemical features of the digestive tract mucosa of Hemisorubim platyrhynchos (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae)

Membranous organelles, acid glycoconjugates and lipids were characterized in the digestive tract mucosa of Hemisorubim platyrhynchos by cytochemistry techniques. Two types of mucous‐secreting cells were observed in the digestive tract epithelium: goblet cells in the oesophagus and intestine and epithelial cells in the stomach. These cells had a Golgi apparatus more developed than the other cell types. The cytochemical analysis revealed that secretory granules are reactive to acid glycoconjugates, varying in reaction intensity according to the region of the digestive tract. Acid glycoconjugate reactions were also observed in oesophageal epithelial cell microridges and in enterocyte microvilli. In the digestive tract, acid glycoconjugates act to protect the epithelial surface, increasing mucous viscosity, which facilitates the passage of food, prevents the binding of parasites and facilitates their removal. Through lipid staining, a coated membrane was observed around each secretory granule of the oesophageal and intestinal goblet cells, while gastric epithelial cells granules were fully reactive. Oxynticopeptic cells of the gastric glands showed lipid droplets in the cytoplasm and also in the mitochondrial matrix, which act as an energy reserve for these cells that have a high energy demand. Enterocytes showed a well‐developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum, especially in the apical region of the cell, being related to absorption and resynthesis of lipids.     

Zur Cytologie der Rectaldrüsen von Knorpelfischen

The stratified epithelium of the central collecting duct of the elasmobranch(Scylliorhinus canicula, Galeorhinus galeus andRaja batis) rectal gland consists of 3 to 6 layers of cells: one superficial, and several basal cell layers. In the superficial layer normally three different types of cells can be distinguished (a) goblet cells, (b) cells with apical secretory granules and (c) flask-shaped cells. The superficial layer ofScylliorhinus canicula reveals a further cell type, so-called mitochondria-rich cells. The epithelial areas built by these cells are always single-layered. The goblet-cells are very similar to goblet cells found in the intestine of vertebrates. Their dominant structures are a well developed ergastoplasm, a large Golgi-apparatus and mucous granules compactly filling the apical cell region. The cells with apical secretory granules are columnar or dumbbell shaped. They contain a rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and a well developed Golgi-apparatus. The secretory granules are loosely distributed within the Golgi-field and are arranged in one or more rows just below the cell apex. The flask shaped cells are characterized by a cytoplasm rich in small vesicles. They posses few dictyosomes and several small mitochondria. There is some evidence for endocytotic activity. The mitochondria-rich cells are characterized by lateral cell interdigitations, by a basal labyrinth and by numerous mitochondria. They are similar to the excretory cells of rectal gland parenchyma. The cells of the basal epithelium layers are differenciated only to a small extent. They are joined in a loose formation with white blood cells often found in the intercellular spaces. The function of the elasmobranch rectal gland is not restricted to the excretion of concentrated salt solutions. There is also a significant secretion of mucous substances. The tubule glands are primarily excretory, the epithelium cells of the central collecting duct mainly secretory in function.     

Lectin-binding pattern of neuroepithelial and respiratory epithelial cells in the mouse nasal cavity

Summary Sections from the nasal cavity of 12-day-old Swiss albino mice (NMRI strain) were subjected to lectin histochemistry. A panel of biotinylated lectins (Con A, WGA, s-WGA, PNA, SBA, DBA and UEA I) and a horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectin (GSA II) showed marked differences in binding to the respiratory and the neuroepithelial cells. SBA (affinity for galactose andN-acetylgalactosamine), PNA (galactose) and WGA (sialic acids andN-acetylglucosamine) labelled the receptor neurons in the olfactory and vomeronasal epithelium. DBA (N-acetylgalactosamine) labelled a subgroup of about 5% of the olfactory receptor neurons, but most neurons in the vomeronasal organ. UEA I (fucose) and s-WGA (N-acetylglucosamine) intensely labelled the entire nerve cell population in the vomeronasal organ, but in the olfactory epithelium the labelling with these lectins was stratified. In the respiratory epithelium the ciliated cells were labelled with WGA and s-WGA, while the secretory cells bound most of the lectins. Thus different sugars are exposed on the surface of the different types of epithelia in the nasal cavity, providing a basis for selectivity in microbial attacks on these areas.     

Ultrastructural study of the endocrine cells of the abomasum mucosa in pre-ruminant calves

During a systematic ultrastructural study on the endocrine/paracrine cells of the gastro-intestinal tract of ruminants, the aim of present work is to describe these cells in the abomasum of suckling calf. Taking into account all the cytological details, and especially the morphological appearance and the cytochemical reactivity of secretory granules, several endocrine cell types can be distinguished. Some of them (EC, D, D1) are common to all three of the glandular regions, whereas others are typical of cardiac and proper gastric glands: they are ECL, X, A-like and a fourth type, whose classification is uncertain. The last type (G cells) is detectable in pyloric glands only. The cardiac and proper gastric glands of the suckling calf abomasum contain two additional cell types, not present in bulls, A-like cells and the fourth type, and contain D1 cells which form a heterogeneous family. These data show a morphofunctional similarity between the abomasum of the suckling calf and the stomach of non-ruminant mammals.     

Fine structure of the gastric mucous and endocrine cells of the toad,Bufo marinus

Summary The ultrastructure of the mucous and endocrine cells of the gastric mucosa of the cane toad (Bufo marinus) has been examined. Surface mucous cells line the entire gastric mucosa and pits. Many of their secretory granules contain an electron-dense core that remains unreactive after cytochemical testing for glycoproteins. A second spatially and structurally discrete population of mucous cells is present in the gastric glands. These glandular mucous cells are probably homologous with the antral gland and mucous neck cells of mammals; their secretory granules also contain non-glycoprotein cores. Three distinct populations of endocrine cells show structural homologies with gastric hormone-storing cells of higher vertebrates.This study was supported by grants from N.H. & M.R.C. (Australia) and the Clive and Vera Ramaeiotti Foundations     

Ultrastructure of endocrine cells in the stomach of two teleost fish Perca fluviatilis L. and Ameiurus nebulosus L.

Summary In the gastric mucosa of two teleost species, the perch (Perca fluviatilis) and the catfish (Ameiurus nebulosus) three endocrine cell types were found, located predominantly between the mucoid cells of the gastric mucosa. A fourth cell type is present in the gastric glands of catfish. Each cell type was defined by its characteristic secretory granules. Type-I cells were predominant in both fish. These cells contained round or oval granules with a pleomorphic core. The average diameter of granules was 400 nm for the perch and 270 nm for the catfish. Type-II cells of both species displayed small, highly osmiophilic granules about 100 nm in diameter. The secretory granules of type-III cells (260 nm in the perch and 190 nm in the catfish) were round or slightly oval in shape and were filled with a finely particulate electron-dense material. Type-IV cells of the catfish were found in the gastric glands only. Their cytoplasm was filled with homogeneous, moderately electron-dense granules averaging 340 nm in diameter. The physiological significance of these different morphological types of gastric endocrine cells requires further investigation.     

Cutaneous eccrine glands of the foot pads of the small Madagascan tenrec (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Echinops telfairi,</Emphasis> Insectivora,Tenrecidae): skin glands in a primitive mammal

In order to find correlations between skin gland morphology and specific ethological features, the cutaneous glands of the foot pads of the primitive mammal the Madagascan tenrec, Echinops telfairi, were studied by histological and various histochemical methods as well as by electron microscopy. In the foot pads specific eccrine skin glands occurred consisting of coiled ducts and tubular secretory portions, the lumina of which were considerably wider than in primate sweat glands. The secretory tubules were composed of branched myoepithelial cells and glandular cells. The latter contained abundant mitochondria, large amounts of glycogen particles and few secretory granules as well as individual heterolysosomes and myelin bodies. The lateral cell membrane was marked by extensive interdigitations. The apical membranes of all glandular cells contained proteoglycans with sulfated and carboxylated groups containing N-acetyl-glucosamine, N-acetyl-galactosamine, galactose and mannose. The expression pattern of cytokeratins of the glandular epithelium was variable and showed similarities to that of the human eccrine glands. Tubulin, vinculin and actin were expressed in the glandular epithelium. The secretory cells showed positive reactions with antibodies against antimicrobial peptides and IgA. A positive reaction was observed with antibodies against the androgen receptor. The PCNA and TUNEL reactions indicated that the tubular skin glands of Echinops are made up of a slowly renewing tissue. We conclude that the glands fulfill several functions: production of a fluid-rich secretory product, which may prevent slipping of the foot pads on the substrate during running or climbing, secretion of antimicrobial peptides and proteins, and playing a role in thermoregulation.We thank the Fendt Foundation for financial support     

Different binding to squamous and columnar epithelium of the uterine cervix as a marker of epithelial differentiation

Biotinylated lectins were used to investigate the expression of carbohydrate residues on columnar and squamous epithelium of the uterine cervix. Con A, WGA, RCA I, PNA, UEA I, DBA and SBA were used. In the native exocervical and in metaplastic squamous epithelium of the transformation zone, one group of lectins (Con A, WGA, RCA I and PNA) stained the cell periphery of all epithelial layers. A second group (UEA I, DBA and SBA) colored the cell periphery of the suprabasal cells. The basal layer was always negative. All lectins labeled the apical border and occasionally the cytoplasm of the endocervical columnar epithelium. Lectin-binding of metaplastic and native squamous epithelium could possibly be used as a marker of epithelial differentiation in normal and abnormal conditions.