LECTIN HISTOCHEMICAL-STUDIES OF MOUSE GRANULATED METRIAL GLAND-CELLS

A lectin histochemical study has been carried out on mouse granulated metrial gland cells, the major leucocyte population that differentiate s in the uterine wall in pregnancy. The binding characteristics of 26 lectins were examined using light microscopical methods. Fourteen of t he lectins, with affinities ranging through N-acetylgalactosamine, gal actose, N-acetylglucosamine, mannose and sialic acid residues, bound t o the cytoplasmic granules of granulated metrial gland cells, and each appeared to bind to the limiting membrane of the granules. The bindin g characteristics of three of these lectins (Wheat germ agglutinin, Co ncanavalin A and Helix pomatia agglutinin) were examined using electro n microscopical methods. These showed a different binding pattern to t he cytoplasmic granules of granulated metrial gland cells compared wit h that found using light microscopical methods, as they appeared to bi nd evenly across the granule's matrix. This binding pattern correspond s to the reactivity of the granule matrix in the periodic acid-Schiff technique. Six lectins bound to the cell membranes of granulated metri al gland cells. These included the E and L isoforms of Phaseolus vulga ris agglutinin, with affinities for complex carbohydrates, whose bindi ng differences were related to the stage of differentiation of the gra nulated metrial gland cells. The lectin binding described presents add itional markers of granulated metrial gland cells and tools for invest igating carbohydrate moieties in the functional activities of granulat ed metrial gland cells.