CHANGES IN LECTIN-BINDING PATTERNS OF CHICK PRIMORDIAL GERM-CELLS ANDSERTOLI CELLS DURING SEXUAL-DIFFERENTIATION

The distribution and properties of sugar residues in germ and Sertoli cells of differentiating chick gonads were examined by light microscop y using twelve different lectins. Characteristic binding patterns of C onA, RCA-I, BPA, WGA and STA were observed in germ and Sertoli cells d uring testicular development. BPA preferentially bound to the cytoplas m and plasma membrane of primordial germ cells (PGCs). BPA reaction ap peared prior to stage 29, continued until stage 36, and completely dis appeared at stage 37. This finding indicates that dynamic changes in g lycoconjugates containing N-acetyl-D-galactosamine residues may occur in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane of PGCs. During the formation of testicular cords (stages 36-39), ConA, WGA, STA and RCA-I, also showed a positive reaction on the cell surface of differentiating Sertoli ce lls. Therefore, these glycoconjugates on Sertoli cell surfaces may pla y an important role in testicular cord formation.