Lectin-binding pattern in normal human gastric mucosa

Summary Normal human gastric mucosal cells were examined by light and electron microscopy using lectins as a probe. The ABC method was used with biotinylated lectins for light microscopy and HRP-labeled lectins for electron microscopy. The human gastric mucosal cells revealed specific binding patterns for each lectin by light microscopy. Among the lectins tested, in particular, DBA gave a characteristic pattern. It specifically stained the supranuclear region of surface epithelial cells and the perinuclear region of parietal cells. By electron microscopy, the stacked cisternae and the vesicles of the Golgi apparatus of the surface epithelial cells were positive for the DBA staining. These results show that the DBA-positive supranuclear region observed by light microscopy corresponds to the Golgi apparatus. In the parietal cells, DBA, RCA and ConA bound to the intracellular secretory canaliculi which are invaginations of the cell membrane running around the nucleus in the cytoplasm. Therefore, the tubular perinuclear positive region observed by light microscopy corresponds to the membranes of the intracellular secretory canaliculi. In addition, the ConA reagent stained the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, nuclear envelope, and cell membrane of the parietal cell, which explains the diffuse cytoplasmic staining observed at the light microscopic level with this lectin. Lectins have proved to be very useful for the evaluation of in situ cytochemical aspects of the glycoconjugates characteristic to human gastric mucosal cells.     

Lectin-binding pattern in normal human gastric mucosa. A light and electron microscopic study

Normal human gastric mucosal cells were examined by light and electron microscopy using lectins as a probe. The ABC method was used with biotinylated lectins for light microscopy and HRP-labeled lectins for electron microscopy. The human gastric mucosal cells revealed specific binding patterns for each lectin by light microscopy. Among the lectins tested, in particular, DBA gave a characteristic pattern. It specifically stained the supranuclear region of surface epithelial cells and the perinuclear region of parietal cells. By electron microscopy, the stacked cisternae and the vesicles of the Golgi apparatus of the surface epithelial cells were positive for the DBA staining. These results show that the DBA-positive supranuclear region observed by light microscopy corresponds to the Golgi apparatus. In the parietal cells, DBA, RCA and ConA bound to the intracellular secretory canaliculi which are invaginations of the cell membrane running around the nucleus in the cytoplasm. Therefore, the tubular perinuclear positive region observed by light microscopy corresponds to the membranes of the intracellular secretory canaliculi. In addition, the ConA reagent stained the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, nuclear envelope, and cell membrane of the parietal cell, which explains the diffuse cytoplasmic staining observed at the light microscopic level with this lectin. Lectins have proved to be very useful for the evaluation of in situ cytochemical aspects of the glycoconjugates characteristic to human gastric mucosal cells.     

Glycoconjugate distribution in the human fundic mucosa revealed by lectin- and glycoprotein-gold cytochemistry

The glycoconjugates of the human fundic mucosa were characterized at the ultrastructural level by means of direct (Helix pomatia agglutinin-gold complex) and indirect lectin techniques (Concanavalin A and horseradish peroxidase-gold complex; wheat germ agglutinin and ovomucoid-gold complex). Surface mucous cells and mucous neck cells secreted O-glycoproteins with N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine residues at the non reducing terminus of the saccharidic chain. The secretory granules of the mucous neck cells showed condensed areas slightly reactive to ConA. The results obtained in the chief cells suggest that these cells secrete N-glycoproteins rich in mannose and/or glucose residues. "Transitional cells", presenting both morphological characteristics and lectin binding pattern intermediate to the mucous neck and chief cells have been observed. The surface of the intracellular canaliculi of the parietal cell was labelled by HPA, WGA and ConA. In the neck region of the gastric glands, immature parietal cells containing abundant mucous granules reactive to HPA, WGA and ConA were observed. The present results further corroborate the existence of a common cell precursor for surface mucous, mucous neck and parietal cells. In a further step, mucous neck cells gradually differentiate into chief cells the transitional cells being an intermediate stage.     

Lectin binding sites in normal and phenobarbitale/halothane treated rat liver. A histochemical study

The content of carbohydrate residues of both normal and phenobarbitale-halothane-hypoxia exposed rat liver has been examined by means of lectin histochemistry. Eight biotinylated lectins specific to galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine, fucose and mannose were applied to paraffin sections of rat liver at light microscopic level. The most distinct binding was observed at the structures of the "perisinusoidal functional unit": Kupffer cells are bound by S-WGA, SBA and PNA. Bile canaliculi display binding sites for RCA I and WGA. Cytoplasm of hepatocytes appears lectin-negative, except for PSA. The enhanced reaction of S-WGA, PNA and SBA after the preincubation of the sections with neuraminidase indicates the occurrence of sialic acid in Kupffer cells. The phenobarbitale-halothane-hypoxia exposed rat liver shows centrolobular degeneration of hepatocytes with a diminished amount of hepatocyte and Kupffer cells as well. The lectin binding pattern of sinusoidal walls, membranes of hepatocytes and bile canaliculi remains the same compared to that of normal rat liver. This finding suggests that at least the carbohydrate content of membranes in the liver resists severe destruction under phenobarbitale-halothane-hypoxia. It is assumed that there exists a connection between intact carbohydrate residues and the regeneration of liver parenchyma.     

Occurrence and distribution of glycoconjugates in human tissues as detected by the Erythrina cristagalli lectin

We applied a horseradish peroxidase-Erythrina cristagalli agglutinin (HRP-ECA) conjugate for histochemical staining of tissue sections from various formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human tissue specimens. The HRP-ECA conjugate showed broad reactivity, but there was a distinct distribution of native (not masked by sialic acid) and sialic acid-masked ECA binding sites in the various organs. Free ECA binding sites could be detected on red blood cells, lymphocytes of thymus, tonsil, lymph node, and in mucous substances of different organs. Independent of blood group type, the vascular endothelium exhibited strong ECA reactivity. Free ECA binding sites occurred in the cytoplasm of Kupffer's cells in liver, in histiocytic cells of thymus, lymph node, tonsil, and in bone marrow. Podocytes of kidney glomerulus, syncytiotrophoblasts of placenta, megakaryocytes in bone marrow, myelin sheath of nerve, medullary thymocytes, and hepatocytes, as well as islet cells of pancreas, contained only sialic acid-capped ECA binding sites. Inhibiting studies with galactose, lactose, and N-acetyl-lactosamine, as well as other sugars, revealed that this lectin is specific for galactosyl residues. In comparison to galactose and lactose, N-acetyl-lactosamine exhibited the highest inhibitory activity on lectin binding, supporting the concept that this lectin is most reactive with N-acetyl-lactosamine-type (type 2 chain) glycoconjugates.     

Distribution of glycoconjugates in normal human skin using biotinyl lectins and avidin-horseradish peroxidase

Lectin binding patterns in normal human skin were studied using five different biotinyl lectins and avidin-horseradish peroxidase. The staining pattern was specific for each lectin. In the epidermis, peanut agglutinin (PNA) and soybean agglutinin (SBA) preferentially stained the cell membranes of keratinocytes in the spinous and granular cell layers, indicating changes in the saccharide residues during keratinocyte differentiation. In the secretory segment of an eccrine sweat gland, the superficial cells gave a strong granular staining with Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA). Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) and SBA, on the other hand, strongly stained the basal cells. With these lectins, two types of cells in the secretory segment were clearly distinguished. These results show that (1) PNA and SBA binding sites increase during the course of keratinocyte differentiation, and (2) RCA, DBA, and SBA are good markers to distinguish two types of cells in the secretory segment of an eccrine sweat gland.     

Expression of lectin receptors on the surface of granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells (CFU-gm)

It has been emphasized that specific bindings between membrane glycoproteins and membrane lectin-like substances are important in cell-to-cell interactions. We explored the surface of granulocyte-macrophage precursor cells (CFU-gm) by the differential agglutination technique. Enrichment of CFU-gm in the agglutinated fraction, containing the cells which have lectin receptors, from marrow treated with soybean agglutinin (SBA), peanut agglutinin (PNA) and concanavalin A (Con A), suggests the presence of reactive galactosyl and mannosyl residues on the surface of CFU-gm. On the other hand, wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA), which bind to reactive N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine and fucose, respectively, did not specifically agglutinate CFU-gm. Thus, reactive groups containing galactosyl and mannosyl structures on the surface of CFU-gm may possibly play a role in the process of cell-to-cell interactions between CFU-gm and marrow stromal cells.     

Glycoconjugate cytochemistry of the rat fundic gland using lectin/colloidal-gold conjugates and Lowicryl K4M. Helix pomatia lectin is a specific marker for mucous neck cells in fundic glands of the rat gastric mucosa

The fundic gland of the rat stomach was studied using the low-temperature embedding resin Lowicryl K4M and postembedding staining with lectin/colloidal-gold (CG) conjugates. Intense labeling with Ricinus communis agglutinin I was observed not only in mucous-producing cells but also in parietal cells. In contrast, Helix pomatia agglutinin (HPA) only labeled mucous neck cells and intermediate cells between mucous neck cells and chief cells. The other epithelial cells present in the rat fundic gland showed virtually no reaction with this lectin. Our results indicate that HPA might be a marker lectin of mucous neck cells and their derivatives. The combination of embedding in the hydrophilic resin Lowicryl K4M and postembedding staining with lectin-CG conjugates provided satisfactory staining results, and made it possible to visualize the precise distribution of terminal glycoconjugates in intracellular components as well as on the plasma membrane.     

Glycoconjugate cytochemistry of the rat fundic gland using lectin/colloidal-gold conjugates and Lowicryl K4M

Summary The fundic gland of the rat stomach was studied using the low-temperature embedding resin Lowicryl K4M and postembedding staining with lectin/colloidal-gold (CG) conjugates. Intense labeling with Ricinus communis agglutinin I was observed not only in mucous-producing cells but also in parietal cells. In contrast, Helix pomatia agglutinin (HPA) only labeled mucous neck cells and intermediate cells between mucous neck cells and chief cells. The other epithelial cells present in the rat fundic gland showed virtually no reaction with this lectin. Our results indicate that HPA might be a marker lectin of mucous neck cells and their derivatives. The combination of embedding in the hydrophilic resin Lowicryl K4M and postembedding staining with lectin-CG conjugates provided satisfactory staining results, and made it possible to visualize the precise distribution of terminal glycoconjugates in intracellular components as well as on the plasma membrane.     

Lectin cytochemistry in the gastrointestinal tract with special reference to glycosylation in the Golgi apparatus of Brunner's gland cells.

Two hydrophilic, low temperature-embedding resins, Lowicryl K4M and LR White, were compared in lectin cytochemistry. Post-embedding staining of colloidal gold-labeled Griffonia symplicifolia agglutinin II (GSA-II) resulted in staining of the Golgi apparatus and mucous granules of mucous neck cells in the gastric fundic gland, pylorocytes, and Brunner's gland cells embedded in either resin, although it was much easier to make ultra-thin sections with LR White-embedded material than with the other. Post-fixation with uranyl acetate followed by LR White embedding improved general ultrastructure so that lectin binding sites were identified precisely. All examined lectins, soybean agglutinin (SBA), Maclura pomifera agglutinin (MPA), GSA-II, and Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA-I), stained mucous granules and the Golgi apparatus, in which the staining pattern was characteristic of each lectin: cis cisternae were labeled with SBA and MPA, intermediate cisternae with GSA-II, and trans cisternae and mucous granules with SBA, GSA-II, UEA-I, and lightly with MPA. No labeling was observed in the rough endoplasmic reticulum with any lectin. These findings suggest that the Golgi apparatus is the site of O-linked glycosylation and can be divided into at least three distinct compartments with regard to the glycosylation.     

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.     

Ultrastructural localization of peanut lectin binding to extravascular white blood cells in the bone marrow of embryonic chicks

Summary Labelling by the galactose-specific lectin peanut agglutinin was studied in bone marrow of the embryonic chick at the electron-microscopic level by use of both a gold-conjugated lectin and an indirect, ferritin-conjugated, biotinylated lectin. Cell surface labelling is exclusively restricted to developing and mature heterophilic granulocytes, monocyte/macrophages, mast cells/basophils, all of which appear to develop and reside in the extravascular spaces of the bone marrow. Resident small lymphocytes, which comprise a minor portion of the cell population, are also labelled. Erythroid cells and thrombocytic cells, which develop inside venous sinusoidal vessels, display no labelling. The latter cells, like extravascular leukocytes, contain surface galactosyl residues located in subterminal positions on cell surfaces, since they are labelled by the galactose-specific Ricinus communis agglutinin-I. It is postulated that terminal galactosyl residues might be involved in interactions between the surfaces of extravascular leukocytes and extracellular matrix and/or stromal cell surfaces.     

Lectin binding sites in normal and phenobarbitale/halothane treated rat liver

Summary The content of carbohydrate residues of both normal and phenobarbitale-halothane-hypoxia exposed rat liver has been examined by means of lectin histochemistry. Eight biotinylated lectins specific to galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine, fucose and mannose were applied to paraffin sections of rat liver at light microscopic levels. The most distinct binding was observed at the structures of the perisinusoidal functional unit: Kupffer cells are bound by S-WGA, SBA and PNA. Bile canaliculi display binding sites for RCA I and WGA. Cytoplasm of hepatocytes appears lectin-negative, except for PSA. The enhanced reaction of S-WGA, PNA and SBA after the preincubation of the sections with neuraminidase indicates the occurance of sialic acid in Kupffer cells. The phenobarbitale-halothane-hypoxia exposed rat liver shows centrolobular degeneration of hepatocytes with a diminished amount of hepatocytes and Kupffer cells as well. The lectin binding pattern of sinusoidal walls, membranes of hepatocytes and bile canaliculi remains the same compared to that of normal rat liver. This finding suggests that at least the carbohydrate content of membranes in the liver resists severe destruction under phenobarbitale-halothane-hypoxia. It is assumed that there exists a connection between intact carbohydrate residues and the regeneration of liver parenchyma.     

Distribution of lectin binding glycoprotein in osteoclasts

Arachis hypogaea (PNA) lectin, specific for Gal-B-1,3-GalNac disaccharide and Wheat germ (WGA) lectin, specific for (GlcNac) and terminal neuraminic acid were used to identify histiocytic giant cells, osteoclast like giant cells and osteoclasts. PNA lectin, without neuraminidase predigestion was not bound by the giant cells, while they showed a strong reaction with WGA lectin. Neuraminidase pretreatment decreased WGA lectin binding, which supports that neuraminic acid plays a role in the binding of WGA. On the other hand, neuraminidase digestion liberated large amounts of PNA binding sites in every type of giant cells examined, showing a strong, intracytoplasmic granular staining. This observation is indicative of presence of PNA binding sites masked by neuraminic acid. Instead of the intracytoplasmic PNA binding in some osteoclasts a well defined part of the cytomembrane was heavily stained. We suppose that this PNA binding part of cytomembrane equals to the zone of resorption, characterized by the ruffled border of osteoclasts. Our findings indicate that a neuraminic acid substituted PNA binding glycoprotein is synthetized both in osteoclasts and histiocytic giant cells which may indicate a common origin of these cell types.     

Distribution of lectin binding glycoprotein in osteoclasts

Summary Arachis hypogaea (PNA) lectin, specific for Gal-B-1, 3-GalNac disaccharide and Wheat germ (WGA) lectin, specific for (GlcNac) and terminal neuraminic acid were used to identify histiocytic giant cells, osteoclast like giant cells and osteoclasts. PNA lectin, without neuraminidase predigestion was not bound by the giant cells, while they showed a strong reaction with WGA lectin. Neuraminidase pretreatment decreased WGA lectin binding, which supports that neuraminic acid plays a role in the binding of WGA. On the other hand, neuraminidase digestion liberated large amounts of PNA binding sites in every type of giant cells examined, showing a strong, intracytoplasmic granular staining. This observation is indicative of presence of PNA binding sites masked by neuraminic acid. Instead of the intracytoplasmic PNA binding in some osteoclasts a well defined part of the cytomembrane was havily stained. We suppose that this PNA binding part of cytomembrane equals to the zone of resorption, characterized by the ruffled border of osteoclasts. Our findings indicate that a neuraminic acid substituted PNA binding glycoprotein is synthetized both in osteoclasts and histiocytic giant cells which may indicate a common origin of these cell types.     

Glycoconjugate distribution in the human fundic mucosa revealed by lectin- and glycoprotein-gold cytochemistry

Summary The glycoconjugates of the human fundic mucosa were characterized at the ultrastructural level by means of direct (Helix pomatia agglutinin-gold complex) and indirect lectin techniques (Concanavalin A and horseradish peroxidase-gold complex; wheat germ agglutinin and ovomucoid-gold complex). Surface mucous cells and mucous neck cells secreted O-glycoproteins with N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine residues at the non reducing terminus of the saccharidic chain. The secretory granules of the mucous neck cells showed condensed areas slightly reactive to ConA. The results obtained in the chief cells suggest that these cells secrete N-glycoproteins rich in mannose and/or glucose residues. Transitional cells, presenting both morphological characteristics and lectin binding pattern intermediate to the mucous neck and chief cells have been observed. The surface of the intracellular canaliculi of the parietal cell was labelled by HPA, WGA and ConA. In the neck region of the gastric glands, immature parietal cells containing abundant mucous granules reactive to HPA, WGA and ConA were observed. The present results further corroborate the existence of a common cell precursor for surface mucous, mucous neck and parietal cells. In a further step, mucous neck cells gradually differentiate into chief cells the transitional cells being an intermediate stage.     

A quantitative analysis of lectin binding to adult rat hepatocyte cell surfaces

Summary A quantitative evaluation of lectin binding to adult rat hepatocyte cell surfaces was done using cells isolated by two different collagenase perfusion methodologies and cultured as monolayers with two different tissue culture media formulations (protocol I vs. protocol II). The presence of α-D-mannosyl and α-D-glucosyl groups was detected by the binding of Concanavalin A (Con A), Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA), and Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA) to freshly isolated cells. Furthermore, β-D-galactose [Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA)] and sialic acid residues [wheat germ (WGA)] were also found. Protocols I and II served as models for evaluation of: a) the stripping effect of collagenase separation procedures, b) the restoration in culture of collagenase-stripped sugar residues, c) the effect of the culture environment on cell viability [as measured by lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage] and the protein content of hepatocytes, and d) the presence of cell surface sugar residues as a function of culture duration. The ultrastructural morphology of freshly isolated and cultured hepatocytes was also evaluated. These studies indicated that a decline in lectin binding invariably occurred earlier than a massive leakage of LDH and a decrease in the protein content of the cells in culture. Ultrastructurally, autophagocytosis was an early phenomenon in cells isolated and cultured by protocol I, which was also inferior to protocol II regarding the preservation of hepatocyte glycocalyces. Sugar residues lost due to the collagenase-stripping effect were restored, as shown by lectin binding, within the first 24 h of culture. This stripping effect was confirmed by quantitative evaluations of lectin binding to hepatocytes in culture after an incubation with collagenase. This study shows that the binding of peroxidase-labeled lectins is a useful tool for quantitative evaluation of the sugar composition of hepatocyte cultures. This study was supported by grant I-ROI-AM 26520 from the National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, and by W. R. Grace Corporation.     

Interactions of galactose-binding lectins with plant protoplasts

Summary Protoplasts isolated from cell suspension cultures of carrot (Daucus carota L.) and leaves of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) were treated with three lectins specific for galactosyl residues. After incubation with RCA I (Ricinus communis agglutinin, molecular weight 120,000) conjugated to ferritin or fluorescein, freshly isolated protoplasts displayed heavy labeling of their surfaces. Moreover, they agglutinated rapidly when exposed to low concentrations of RCA I. In parallel studies, PNA (peanut agglutinin) also bound extensively to the protoplast plasma membranes whileBandeiraea simplicifolia lectin I attached relatively weakly. When protoplasts were cultured for two days and then incubated with conjugates of RCA I and PNA, additional binding sites were revealed on the regenerating walls.The results indicate that galactosyl residues are distributed densely over the surface of plant protoplasts. They also allow inferences to be made regarding the positions and linkages of the galactose groups being recognized by the lectins. Moreover, they open up the question whether the galactosyl moieties detected in the wall derive from those labeled on the plasma membrane. To conclude, we make comparisons with binding by concanavalin A, and predict that galactose-recognizing lectins will join and in certain respects prove superior to concanavalin A as probes of the plant cell surface.     

The apical membrane of intestinal brush cells possesses a specialised, but species-specific, composition of glycoconjugates – on-section and in vivo lectin labelling in rats, guinea-pigs and mice

Brush cells are specialised epithelial cells that are assumed to represent chemoreceptors of the digestive tract. They comprise a small population of the epithelial cells lining the intestine, possess a unique ultrastructure and, in many aspects, resemble the receptor cells of taste buds. To characterise glycoconjugates possibly involved in a sensory function, we investigated brush cells in the small intestine of three species using lectin histochemistry in confocal light and thin-section electron microscopy. Brush cells of rats were selectively labelled by the sialic acid-specific lectin Maackia amurensis agglutinin, those of guinea-pigs by the D-galactose-specific lectin Bandeiraea simplicifolia agglutinin, isolectin B4 and those of mice by the L-fucose-specific lectin Ulex europaeus agglutinin lectin I. Lectin binding sites were consistently located in the glycocalyx of the apical membrane and in that of cytoplasmic vesicles. In vivo lectin labelling revealed that the glycoconjugates of the apical membrane are accessible under physiological conditions, that brush cells do not endocytose and that they probably possess a high membrane turnover rate. The results show that specialisations exist in the composition of glycoconjugates forming the glycocalyx of brush cells in all species investigated. The presence of brush cell-specific glycoconjugates would be in accordance with the current hypothesis of a receptive function of brush cells. Differences in the specific glycosylation patterns among rats, guinea-pigs and mice indicate that species-specific adaptations exist.     

Studies on the cell surface of zoospores and cysts of the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi: nature of the surface saccharides as determined by quantitative lectin binding studies

The nature of the surface saccharides of zoospores, "partially encysted zoospores" and cysts of the root-rotting fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi, has been examined by quantitative lectin binding studies. Zoospores bound concanavalin A (Con A), but did not bind any of a variety of other lectins tested. In contrast, both cysts and "partially encysted zoospores" bound soybean agglutinin (SBA) as well as Con A. This indicates that accessible alpha-D-glucosyl/alpha-D-mannosyl-containing glycoconjugates predominate at the zoospore surface, whereas both alpha-D-glucosyl/alpha-D-mannosyl and galactosyl and/or N-acetyl-D-galactosaminosyl residues are accessible at the surface of cysts and "partially encysted zoospores." Neither Ulex europeus lectin nor wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) bound to any of the three cell preparations, indicating the absence of accessible alpha-L-fucosyl and N-acetyl-D-glucosaminosyl residues.