ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC DETECTION OF GLYCOCONJUGATES IN THE CHICKEN LENS

The cytochemical localization of glycoconjugates in the 14-day old emb ryonic chick lens was analysed by lectin-gold labelling. Con A/HRP gol d particles, specific for D-mannose labelled the interior of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, membranes of the Golgi complex, secretory vesi cles and the plasma membranes of the lens epithelial cell. The lens ca psule was heavily labelled. Lens fiber cell membranes were also labell ed. In contrast LFA, specific for neuraminic acid, did not bind to the endoplasmic reticulum or nuclear membrane. Labelling of the Golgi com plex, secretory vesicles and capsule was observed. The plasma membrane s of epithelial and fiber cells were extensively labelled, and probabl y reflects the presence of glycolipids such as gangliosides. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited