IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL LOCALIZATION OF GLYCOSAMINOGLYCAN-LIKE ACTIVITY INTHE MUCUS AND ASSOCIATED TISSUES OF TERRESTRIAL SLUG SPECIES (GASTROPODA, PULMONATA)

Indirect immunofluorescence assays were conducted on cryotome sections of four terrestrial slug species from three distinct phylogenetic gro ups, Arion ater (L.), Arion hortensis (Ferussac), Tandonia (Milax) bud apestensis (Hazay), and Deroceras reticulatum (Muller) using monoclona l antibodies for two glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), heparan sulphate, and chondroitin sulphate. Specific staining for a heparan sulphate-like co mponent was demonstrated in the foot and tail regions of each species and was particularly intense in A. ater and A. hortensis, notably in t he epidermis and associated mucus-like material, and in mucus-like mat erial from the pedal gland region of the latter species. Subsequent st udies with A. ater confirmed the presence of heparan-sulphate-like act ivity in the caudal gland duct region. No evidence of specific stainin g for chondroitin sulphate-like activity was found in any of the slug species. This work suggests that a specific GAG, or a group of closely related GAGs, is a common component of mucus in a range of slug speci es and of different types of mucus, including trail (pedal) mucus and the more viscous mucus produced by the caudal gland. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.