Immunocytochemical localisation of para-coumaric acid in the cell walls ofmaize stem after rumen microbial degradation

Immunogold labelling of para-coumaric acid was performed on the base and th e top of the apical internode of the stem of Co125 and W401 maize, harveste d at anthesis + 5 days, after incubation in the rumen in nylon bags for 4, 8 and 24 h. The description of labelling evolution during rumen degradation was permitted by the quantification of the intensity of labelling in four tissues: sclerenchyma, fibres (surrounding vascular bundles), xylem and par enchyma. The results are discussed in relation to maize digestibility. (C) 1998 Society of Chemical Industry.