COMPOSITIONAL CHANGES IN GLYCOCONJUGATES RECOGNIZED HISTOCHEMICALLY WITH LECTINS IN PURKINJE-CELLS IN SUCKLING AND ADULT RATS

Cerebella from suckling and adult rats were examined histochemically w ith 19 different biotin-labeled lectins. Purkinje cells from postnatal rats had a marked ability to combine with many lectins, but minimal a bility was found in adult rats except for Con-A, LEL, and MAL lectins. The cell body of Purkinje cells on postnatal day 7 was strongly label ed with 6 lectins (Con-A, LTL, MAL, SJA, UEA-I, and VVA). Only moderat e staining was observed with these lectins on postnatal day 5. The den dritic tree of the cells showed a moderate labeling ability with LTL a nd UEA-I on postnatal days 15 and 20. The dendritic tree was strongly labeled with MAL on postnatal days 10, 15, 20 and adult. Positive reac tions were observed in the cells when cerebellar sections from rats on postnatal day 7 were incubated with 3 other lectins (AAL, LEL, and SE A). The cells on postnatal day 7 were rarely labeled with BSL-II, DBA, DSL, LCA, PNA, PSA, RCA120, SSA, STL, and WGA. Purkinje cells on post natal day 7 may be rich in N-linked oligosaccharides, with terminal su gar structures that resemble blood-group-related antigens (type H) and /or tumor-related antigens, These glycoconjugates may be present at lo w levels in the Purkinje cells of adult rats. Dendrites of Purkinje ce lls of adult rats were strongly labeled by Con-A, LEL, and MAL. The de ndrites of Purkinje cells may be rich in highly branched oligosacchari des.