A histochemical comparison of human corneal stromal glycoconjugates with eight other species

Summary Frozen sections of human, calf, rabbit, rat, cat, dog, goat, lamb, and hog corneas were stained with various lectins using an avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex to study glycoconjugates of stromal matrix. Staining of the stromal matrix and keratocytes with an -galactose-specific lectin, Griffoma simplicifolia I (GSA-I) was species-dependent. The stromal matrices of cat, dog, and hog corneas invariably reacted intensely with this lectin, whereas those of the human, calf, rabbit, rat, and lamb did not react. A positive reaction with GSA-I could be abolished in each instance by preincubation of the sections with -galactosidase. The stromal matrices and keratocytes of all nine species reacted positiyely with wheat germ agglutinin, concanavalin A, and Ricinus communis agglutinin but did not react with soybean agglutinin. Results of this study may help select and appropriate animal model to further investigate human corneal stromal glycoconjugates.This investigation was supported by reasearch grants EY04034 and EY04819 from the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD     

Comparative analysis of galactoside-binding lectins isolated from mammalian spleens

Galactoside-inhibitable lectins have been isolated from rabbit, rat, mouse, pig, lamb, calf, and human spleens. Native molecular mass, subunit structure, pI, and hemagglutinating activity have been compared for these lectins. The yields of lectin varied from 1.8 mg/kg for rabbit spleen to 79 mg/kg for lamb spleen. Pig, lamb, calf, and human spleen lectins yielded single protein peaks when subjected to Superose 12 fast-protein liquid chromatography. The apparent molecular mass for these lectins was 33-34 kDa. In contrast, rat and mouse spleen lectin preparations were separated into three components ranging from 8.4 to 34 kDa. Superose 12 chromatography of rabbit spleen lectin revealed the presence of at least six components. Gradient slab gel sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed the presence of single polypeptides for pig, calf, lamb, and human lectins corresponding to a molecular mass of 14-14.5 kDa. Multiple polypeptides were detected for the mouse, rat, and rabbit lectins. The molecular mass of the major polypeptides were 15, 15, and 17 kDa for rat, mouse, and rabbit, respectively. The presence of isolectins in all preparations was shown by isoelectric focusing. The major isolectins were acidic proteins with pI 4.38-4.80. Hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition assays demonstrated similarities as well as differences among the lectin preparations. Hemagglutinating activity could not be demonstrated in rabbit spleen extracts nor for isolated putative lectin. Human buffy coat cells were reversibly agglutinated by calf and human spleen lectins, demonstrating the presence of leucocyte cell surface lectin receptors.     

Localization of prostatic glycoconjugates by the lectin-gold method.

The glycoconjugates of the lateral prostate were examined ultrastructurally by lectin-gold histochemistry in combination with a low-temperature embedding technique using Lowicryl K4M. The binding patterns of concanavalin A, wheat germ agglutinin, Griffonia simplicifolia, soybean agglutinin, peanut agglutinin, Ricinus communis agglutinin isolectin I, Griffonia simplicifolia isolectin B4, Ulex europaeus isolectin I and Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin P have been documented in the subcellular compartments of the lateral prostate. The results show that the granular endoplasmic reticulum (GER) is rich in glycoproteins with mannosyl residues while the Golgi cisternae, secretory granules and microvilli are less so. The mannose (Man) and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residues present in the GER of the epithelial cells may be associated with the initial assembly of the N-linked oligosaccharides of glycoproteins. The secretory granules exhibited different reactivities to lectins. Most of the lectin-binding sites confined to the limiting membranes may play a role in the transport of plasmalemma glycoconjugates to the apical plasma membrane. The epithelial Golgi stack is rich in GlcNAc, galactose (Gal), N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) and sialic acid residues, and a compartmental organization of the Golgi stack is apparent which might be associated with the sequential addition of sugar residues to the oligosaccharides. The plasma membrane contains abundant Man, GlcNAc, Gal, GalNAc and complex carbohydrates, especially in the microvilli, and a differential lectin labelling was noted between the apical and basolateral plasma membrane. The present study showed that fucose-containing glycoconjugates were detected in the apical plasma membrane of the lateral prostate. The stromal extracellular matrices as well as the epithelial basement membranes demonstrated weak lectin reaction. Man, GlcNAc, Gal residues and complex sugars were also noted in the stromal tissues of the lateral prostate including the extracellular matrix, capillaries and smooth muscle.     

Histochemistry of some proteases in the normal rabbit, pig and ox corneas

The distribution of activities of membrane aminopeptidases (aminopeptidase M (APM), aminopeptidase A (APA), dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and lysosomal exopeptidases (dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPP I), dipeptidyl peptidase II (DPP II)) was investigated in rabbit, ox and pig corneas. Cryostat sections of snap-frozen corneas treated with chloroform-acetone (4 degrees C) were used for the demonstration of membrane-bound enzymes and sections of corneas fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde (4 degrees C) for the demonstration of lysosomal enzymes. In activities of proteases species differences were found. The rabbit cornea was most active, followed by ox and pig corneas. Individual corneal layers reacted differently. Of membrane proteases a high APM activity was found in keratocytes, whereas epithelium and endothelium were negative. On the other hand, APA and GGT were active in the epithelium and endothelium. Their activities in keratocytes were less pronounced. DPP IV activity was demonstrated in some keratocytes beneath the epithelium only. Lysosomal enzymes DPP I and DPP II were active in all corneal layers. The epithelium displayed the highest activity. Differences in activities in the centro-peripheral and epithelio-endothelial directions were found. DPP I, DPP II, and APM were most active in the limbal region in all corneal layers.     

Binding of [3H]Ro 5–4864 and [3H]PK 11195 to Cerebral Cortex and Peripheral Tissues of Various Species: Species Differences and Heterogeneity in Peripheral Benzodiazepine Binding Sites

The binding of [3H]PK 11195 and [3H]Ro 5-4864 to membrane preparations from cerebral cortex and peripheral tissues of various species was studied. [3H]PK 11195 (0.05-10 nM) bound with high affinity to rat and calf cerebral cortical and kidney membranes. [3H]Ro 5-4864 (0.05-30 nM) also successfully labeled rat cerebral cortical and kidney membranes, but in calf cerebral cortical and kidney membranes, its binding capacity was only 3 and 4%, respectively, of that of [3H]PK 11195. Displacement studies showed that unlabeled Ro 5-4864, diazepam, and flunitrazepam were much more potent in displacing [3H]PK 11195 from rat cerebral cortex and kidney membranes than from calf tissues. The potency of unlabeled Ro 5-4864 in displacing [3H]PK 11195 from the cerebral cortex of various other species was also tested, and the rank order of potency was rat = guinea pig greater than cat = dog greater than rabbit greater than calf. Analysis of these displacement curves revealed that Ro 5-4864 bound to two populations of binding sites from rat and calf kidney and from rat, guinea pig, rabbit, and calf cerebral cortex but to a single population of binding sites from cat and dog cerebral cortex. Using [3H]PK 11195 as a ligand, the rank order of binding capacity in cerebral cortex of various species was cat greater than calf greater than guinea pig greater than rabbit greater than dog greater than rat, whereas when [3H]Ro 5-4864 was used, the rank order of binding capacity was cat greater than guinea pig greater than rat greater than rabbit greater than calf greater than dog.     

Cell adhesion molecules in stromal corneal dystrophies

The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression pattern of different cell adhesion molecules in corneal stromal dystrophies. Fifteen corneal buttons from patients diagnosed with three different types of stromal corneal dystrophies and healthy corneas were investigated. Paraffin embedded sections were stained immunohistochemically with monoclonal antibodies against human intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), endothelial selectin (E-selectin) and endothelial cadherin (E-cadherin) using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase-complex technique. The sections were compared to normal eye bank controls. In corneas from granular dystrophy patients ICAM-1 was expressed focally in epithelial cells and in keratocytes, and expressed diffusely in endothelial cells. In corneas from macular dystrophy patients diffuse epithelial staining was observed and the stromal and endothelial expression was found to be similar to that of granular dystrophy. In lattice dystrophy, only the epithelial cells and endothelium were intensively positive for ICAM-1. E-selectin was not present on any layer of the corneal specimens. E-cadherin was observed only in the epithelium of all three types of corneal dystrophies. Normal corneas did not express any of the investigated adhesion molecules. We found different expression patterns of adhesion molecules in corneas from stromal dystrophies. Our results suggest that adhesion molecules may be involved in the pathogenesis of corneal stromal dystrophies.     

Evolutionary conservation in various mammalian species of the human proliferation-associated epitope recognized by the Ki-67 monoclonal antibody

The human proliferation-associated epitope recognized by the Ki-67 monoclonal antibody (MAb) was detected in proliferating normal and neoplastic cells of many mammalian species (lamb, calf, dog, rabbit, rat) besides human. In contrast, Ki-67 stained proliferating cells from other species weakly (mouse) or not at all (swine, cat, chicken, pigeon). The immunostaining pattern of Ki-67 in animal tissues was identical to that previously described in human: Ki-67 reacted only with cells known to proliferate (e.g., germinal center cells, cortical thymocytes) but not with resting cells (e.g., hepatocytes, brain cells, renal cells); this MAb produced a characteristic nuclear staining pattern (e.g., stronger labeling of nucleoli than of the rest of the nuclei and staining of chromosomes in mitotic figures); and Ki-67 crossreacted with the squamous epithelium in both animal and human tissues. In vitro studies showed that when quiescent (Ki-67-negative) NIH 3T3 fibroblasts or bovine peripheral blood lymphocytes were induced to proliferate, the appearance of Ki-67-positive cells paralleled the induction of cell proliferation caused by addition of fetal calf serum or PHA, respectively, to the cultures, and in both human and rat proliferating cells the Ki-67 expression closely paralleled the incorporation of [3H]-thymidine. These findings indicate that the epitope recognized by the Ki-67 MAb in human and animal species is the same. The widespread evolutionary conservation of the human proliferation-associated epitope recognized by the Ki-67 MAb suggests that it and/or its carrier molecule may play an important role in regulation of cell proliferation.     

Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) reacts selectively with mast cells in human connective tissues

Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) binds to N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (GalNAc) residues in glycoconjugates and agglutinates erythrocytes carrying blood group antigen A. In cryostat sections of various tissues from blood group-specified humans, fluorochrome-coupled DBA bound preferentially to fusiform connective tissue cells and to certain epithelial cells. The connective tissue cells were identified as mast cells by their typical metachromasia in consecutive staining with toluidine blue. Double labeling with DBA and conjugated avidin revealed two distinct populations of mast cells. In several tissues the DBA-reactive cells likewise displayed uniform avidin reactivity. In intestinal mucosa, however, morphologically distinct DBA-binding mast cells were found, which were labeled with the avidin conjugates only in specially fixed paraffin sections. DBA did not bind to vascular endothelial cells, which could be identified by double staining with antibodies to factor VIII-related antigen. Labeling with Helix pomatia agglutinin (HPA), another blood group A-reactive lectin, resulted in distinct blood group-dependent fluorescence of the endothelia. Sophora japonica agglutinin (SJA), a blood group B-reactive lectin, labeled vascular endothelial cells in tissues from blood group A, AB, and B donors. HPA and SJA reacted with small mast cells in the gastrointestinal mucosa but failed to label large mast cells in any of the tissues. These results indicate that the blood group reactivity of lectins, as determined by erythroagglutination, is not necessarily consistent with their reactivity with blood group determinants in tissue sections. Moreover, DBA conjugates appear to be a reliable probe for detection of mast cells in various human connective tissues.     

Histochemistry of some proteases in the normal rabbit,pig and ox corneas

Summary The distribution of activities of membrane aminopeptides (aminopeptidases M (APM), aminopeptidase A (APA), dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV), -gluamyltransferase (GGT) and lysosomal exopeptidases (dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPP I), dipeptidyl peptidase II (DPP II) was investigated in rabbit, ox and pig corneas. Cryostat sections of snap-frozen corneas treated with chloroform-acetone (4°C) were used for the demonstration of membrane-bound enzymes and sections of corneas fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde (4°C) for the demonstration of lysosomal enzymes.In activities of proteases species differences were found. The rabbit cornea was most active, followed by ox and pig corneas. Individual corneal layers reacted differently. Of membrane proteases a high APM activity was found in keratocytes, whereas epithelium and endothelium were negative. On the other hand APA and GGT were active in the epithelium and endothelium. Their activities in keratocytes were less pronounced. DPP IV activity was demonstrated in some keratocytes beneath the epithelium only. Lysosomal enzymes DPP I and DPP II were active in all corneal layers. The epithelium displayed the highest activity.Differences in activities in the centro-peripheral and epithelio-endothelial directions were found. DPP I, DPP II, and APM were most active in the limbal region in all corneal layers.     

Microenvironments of photoreceptor and interphotoreceptor matrix glycoconjugates

Enzyme-linked lectin cytochemical and biochemical analyses have been used to identify microdomains of retinal outer segments and interphotoreceptor matrix glycoconjugates. We have devised a highly reproducible trypsin digestion procedure to identify protease-resistant wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) domains on the distal tips of some photoreceptor outer segments, and on shed outer segment membrane in Xenopus laevis retina. WGA binding sites in the frog interphotoreceptor matrix were completely susceptible to trypsin digestion. In contrast, the cytochemical procedures revealed a distinct protease resistant WGA-positive microdomain in the interphotoreceptor matrix of rat (and probably human) retina at the outer segment-pigment epithelium interface. Neuraminidase digestion of sections of rat retina previously digested with trypsin essentially completely removed WGA binding sites in this microdomain. These results indicated that the protease-resistant carbohydrates were sialoglycoconjugates. A potential role for this pool of sialoglycoconjugates would be to mediate adhesion of the outer segment-pigment epithelium interface. Analysis of solubilized retina digested with trypsin and separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a set of protease resistant WGA binding glycoprotein of Mr 60 kDa on nitrocellulose transblots which we hypothesize may be a component of the protease resistant microdomain at the outer segment-pigment epithelium interface of rat retina.     

Lectin-binding histochemistry of non-decalcified growth plate cartilage: a postembedment method for light microscopy of epon-embedded tissue

A postembedment method for the localization of lectin-binding glycoconjugates was developed using Epon-embedded growth plate cartilage from Yucatan miniature swine. By testing a variety of etching, blocking, and incubation procedures, a standard protocol was developed for 1 micron thick sections that allowed visualization of both intracellular and extracellular glycoconjugates with affinity for wheat germ agglutinin and concanavalin A. Both fluorescent and peroxidase techniques were used, and comparisons were made between direct methods and indirect methods using the biotin-avidin bridging system. Differential extracellular lectin binding allowed visualization of interterritorial , territorial, and pericellular matrices. Double labeling experiments showed the precision with which intracellular binding could be localized to specific cytoplasmic compartments, with resolution of binding to the Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, and nuclear membrane at the light microscopic level. This method allows the localization of both intracellular and extracellular lectin-binding glycoconjugates using fixation and embedment procedures that are compatible with simultaneous ultrastructural analysis. As such it should have applicability both to the morphological analysis of growth plate organization during normal endochondral ossification, as well as to the diagnostic pathology of matrix abnormalities in disease states of growing cartilage.     

Efficacious and safe tissue-selective controlled gene therapy approaches for the cornea

Untargeted and uncontrolled gene delivery is a major cause of gene therapy failure. This study aimed to define efficient and safe tissue-selective targeted gene therapy approaches for delivering genes into keratocytes of the cornea in vivo using a normal or diseased rabbit model. New Zealand White rabbits, adeno-associated virus serotype 5 (AAV5), and a minimally invasive hair-dryer based vector-delivery technique were used. Fifty microliters of AAV5 titer (6.5×10(12) vg/ml) expressing green fluorescent protein gene (GFP) was topically applied onto normal or diseased (fibrotic or neovascularized) rabbit corneas for 2-minutes with a custom vector-delivery technique. Corneal fibrosis and neovascularization in rabbit eyes were induced with photorefractive keratectomy using excimer laser and VEGF (630 ng) using micropocket assay, respectively. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and immunocytochemistry were used to confirm fibrosis and neovascularization in rabbit corneas. The levels, location and duration of delivered-GFP gene expression in the rabbit stroma were measured with immunocytochemistry and/or western blotting. Slot-blot measured delivered-GFP gene copy number. Confocal microscopy performed in whole-mounts of cornea and thick corneal sections determined geometric and spatial localization of delivered-GFP in three-dimensional arrangement. AAV5 toxicity and safety were evaluated with clinical eye exam, stereomicroscopy, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and H&E staining. A single 2-minute AAV5 topical application via custom delivery-technique efficiently and selectively transduced keratocytes in the anterior stroma of normal and diseased rabbit corneas as evident from immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy. Transgene expression was first detected at day 3, peaked at day 7, and was maintained up to 16 weeks (longest tested time point). Clinical and slit-lamp eye examination in live rabbits and H&E staining did not reveal any significant changes between AAV5-treated and untreated control corneas. These findings suggest that defined gene therapy approaches are safe for delivering genes into keratocytes in vivo and has potential for treating corneal disorders in human patients.     

The presence of glycoproteins in the cell membrane complex of a variety of keratin fibres.

Cell membrane complex preparations have been extracted using formic acid from human hair and nail, and from the hair of sheep, alpaca, rabbit, rat, cat, and dog. On analysis they were found to have similar amino acid compositions and they all contained carbohydrate. The sugars were typical of those found in membrane glycoproteins and all preparations reacted with peroxidase-conjugated lectins.     

The identification of membrane glycoconjugates in Leishmania species

The membrane glycoconjugates of 8 different species of Leishmania were compared by lectin blotting. Five different lectins with various sugar specificities were examined: concanavalin A, Lens culinaris, Ricinus communis, soybean agglutinin, and peanut agglutinin. Concanavalin A and Lens culinaris reacted with every Leishmania tested. The patterns observed for these 2 lectins, as well as the various species of parasites, were different. However, a common 41,000-52,000 and a 160,000-185,000 Mr component was present in almost all the parasite isolates examined. Ricinus communis only recognized a nondiscrete galactose-containing glycoconjugate similar to Leishmania-excreted factor. Soybean and peanut agglutinins reacted with a few low molecular weight parasite components. Soybean agglutinin reacted with all the Leishmania species tested, whereas peanut lectin only recognized 3 isolates. The latter lectin bound to discrete components migrating with the dye front and with Mr's of 35,000 and 52,000. Increased glycosylation was noted on avirulent L. major promastigotes and was associated with the appearance of several new peanut agglutinin-binding glycoproteins.     

Effects of low electrolyte media on salt loss and hemolysis of mammalian red blood cells.

Cation loss and hemolysis of various mammalian red cells suspended in isotonic non-electrolyte media were investigated. Sucrose buffered with 10 mM Tris-Hepes, pH 7.4 was used as the non-permeable non-electrolyte. Mammals from which the red cells were derived include the human, guinea pig, rat, rabbit, newborn calf, newborn piglet and pig, all of which contain K as the predominant cation species (HK type) and the dog, cat, sheep and cow, all of which possess Na as the predominant cation species (LK type). Of HK cells, a rapid efflux of K takes place from humans, rats and guinea pigs. Of LK type cells, the dog and cat exhibit an augmented membrane permeability to Na. The governing factors which influence cation permeability are the change in pH, temperature, and ionic strength. In response to increase in pH, the red cells of humans, dogs and cats become more permeable to cations, whereas the red cells of rat and rabbit are unaffected. In response to increase in temperature, HK type cells exhibit augmented K efflux, while the Na loss from the dog and cat cells manifest a well-defined maximum at near 37 degrees C. In all cases, a small substitution of sucrose by an equal number of osmoles of salts results in a dramatic decrease in cation loss. By contrast, the red cells of the rabbit, newborn calf, adult cow, newborn piglet, adult pig and sheep display no discernible increase in ion-permeability under the conditions alluded to above. In some species including the newborn calf, dog, and cat, an extensive hemolysis occurs usually within an hour in isotonic buffered sucrose solution. The osmolarity of sucrose solution affects these cells differently in that as the osmolarity increases from 200--500 mM, hemolytic rates of the calf and dog reach a saturation near 300 mM sucrose, whereas the hemolytic rate of the cat decreases progressively. Common features pertaining to this hemolysis are (1) the intracellular alkalinization process; and (2) the diminution of the cell volume which take place prior to and onset of hemolysis. SITS, a potent anion transport inhibitor, completely protects the cells from hemolysis by inhibiting chloride flux and the concomitant rise in intracellular pH.     

Immunohistochemical demonstration of embryonic myosin heavy chains in adult mammalian intrafusal fibers

Serial cross sections of rat, rabbit and cat intrafusal fibers from muscle spindles of normal adult hindlimb muscles were incubated with a monoclonal antibody against embryonic myosin heavy chains. Intrafusal fiber types were identified by noting their staining patterns in adjacent sections incubated for myofibrillar ATPase after acid or alkaline preincubation. In rat and rabbit muscle spindles dynamic nuclear bag1 fibers reacted strongly at the polar and juxtaequatorial regions. Static nuclear bag2 fibers reacted weakly or not at all at the polar region, but showed a moderate amount of activity at the juxtaequator. At the equatorial region both types of nuclear bag fibers displayed a rim of fluorescence surrounding the nuclear bags, while the areas occupied by the nuclear bags themselves were negative. Nuclear chain fibers in rat and rabbit muscle spindles were unreactive with the specific antibody over their entire length. In cat muscle spindles both types of nuclear bag fibers presented profiles which resembled those of the nuclear bag fibers in the other two species, but unlike in rat and rabbit spindles, cat nuclear chain fibers reacted as strongly as dynamic nuclear bag1 fibers.     

The human cornea has a high incidence of acquired chromosome abnormalities

Structurally and functionally, the human cornea is a highly specialized tissue. The corneal stromal collagen matrix is uniquely transparent and yet maintains a mechanically tough and chemically impermeable barrier between the eye and environment. We report for the first time that stromal keratocytes of the human cornea show cytogenetic abnormalities with a frequency that is unprecedented among normal tissues. The abnormalities are acquired, clonal and nonclonal, primarily aneuploid in nature, and present in normal as well as diseased corneas. Received: 10 February 1997 / Accepted: 21 May 1997     

Lectin histochemistry of human placenta

Abstract. The human placenta was studied histochemically using 23 fluorescein-isothiocyanate-labeled lectins Distinct patterns of staining, as well as some differences between first-trimester and term placenta, were discerned. Eleven lectins (HPA, VVA, BPA, HAA, SBA, PNA, GSA-I, MPA, RCA-I, RCA-II, and UEA-I) did not react with the trophoblast. Two lectins (LCA and PEA) reacted with the trophoblast of first-trimester placenta but not with the trophoblast of third-trimester placenta. The remaining ten lectins (ConA, Suc.ConA, WGA, GSA-II, LAA, STA, DBA, LBA, PHA-E, and PHA-L) reacted with the trophoblast of both first- and third-trimester placenta, and two of these lectins (ConA and Suc.ConA) reacted preferentially with the syncytiotrophoblast. Five lectins (LAA, STA, DBA, GSA-II, and LBA) reacted with nuclei of the cytotrophoblast. The nuclei of some stromal and syncytiotrophoblastic cells were also reactive. Eighteen lectins reacted with the trophoblastic basement membrane, and all reacted with Hofbauer cells and the stroma of the villi. Latin binding was influenced by the mode of fixation and tissue processing. These data show that some lectins can be used to identify components of the placental villi (e.g., basement, membrane) to characterize differences between the first- and third-trimester trophoblast, and to distinguish the cytotrophoblast from the syncytiotrophoblast.     

Expression pattern of glycoconjugates in rat retina as analysed by lectin histochemistry

The present study sought to characterize the expression and distribution of complex glycoconjugates in the rat retina by lectin histochemistry, using a panel of 21 different lectins with different carbohydrate specificities. Paraffin sections of Carnoy-fixed Sprague-Dawley rat eyes were stained with various biotinylated lectins, followed by the streptavidin-peroxidase and glucose oxidase-diaminobenzidine-nickel staining procedures. The results showed that the retinal pigment epithelium was stained intensely with LCA, Jacalin, WFA, S-WGA, PWA, DSA, UEA-I, LTA and PHA-E, suggesting that this epithelium contained glycoconjugates with alpha-Man, alpha-Glc, alpha-Gal/GalNAc, beta-GalNAc, alpha-Fuc, NeuAc and other oligosaccharide residues. The outer and inner segments of the photoreceptor layer showed different lectin binding affinities. The outer segments reacted with S-WGA and GS-II, whereas the inner segments reacted with UEA-II, UEA-I, LTA and MAA, suggesting that the inner segments contained glycoconjugates rich in alpha-Fuc and NeuAc(alpha2,3)Gal residues. PNA labelled specifically the cones and could be used as a specific marker for these photoreceptors. RCA-I, WFA, S-WGA, DSA, MAA and PHA-E reacted with both the outer and inner plexiform layers. On the other hand, UEA-I and LTA specifically labelled the outer plexiform layer, while PNA labelled the inner plexiform layer. The retinal microglial cells were labelled specifically by GS-I-B4 and SNA. Interestingly, we also observed that WFA bound specifically to Müller cells and could be used as a novel marker for this retinal glial cell. The capillaries and larger vessels in the retina and choriocapillaris reacted intensely with GS-I-B4, RCA-I, S-WGA, PWA, DSA and PHA-E. No significant differences in lectin binding were observed in the microvessels at these two sites. In summary, the present study demonstrated the expression patterns of glycoconjugates in the rat retina and that certain lectins could be used as histochemical markers for specific structural and cellular components of the rat retina.     

Distribution of acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase, n-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase and beta-galactosidase in cornea of albino rabbit.

Activities of acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase, N-acethyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and acid beta-galactosidase were investigated histochemically in rabbit corneas. Frozen sections after block fixation in cold 4% formaldehyde with 1% CaCl2 followed by washing in cold physiological saline as well as cold microtome sections of corneas quenched in petroleter chilled with acetone-dry ice mixture, transferred to nonprecooled slides or semipermeable membranes were used. Standard aqueous media were employed in the case of free-floating frozen sections of fixed corneas as well as of cold mictrotome sections (postfixed in cold 4% formaldehyde). Agar media were used in connection with the technic of semipermeable membranes. Gomori method (in the case of acid phosphatase), simultaneous azocoupling methods (substrates derivated of naphthol-AS-BI with hexazonium-p-rosanilin) in the case of acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and the indigogenic method in the case of acid beta-galactosidase were applied. Enzyme activities in sections of fixed corneas were minimal in comparison with those in cold microtome sections of unfixed material revealed particularly with the technic of semipermeable membranes which is to be preferred. This technic is recommended in studies concerned with lysosomal enzymes in the cornea, particularly in keratocytes. All enzymes investigated were present in corneal epithelium, keratocytes and endothelium. Acid phosphatase displayed the highest activity followed by beta-glucuronidase and acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase. The activity of beta-galactosidase was the lowest. For the demonstration of activities in keratocytes sections parallel to the surface are very suitable. In these sections enzyme activities were demonstrated in small granules (apparently lysosomes) present in the central part of their cytoplasm as well as in projections. Diffuse staining was also seen, being the highest in the case of acid phosphatase.