Identification and localisation of glycoconjugates in the olfactory mucosaof the armadillo Chaetophractus villosus

Conventional histochemistry and the binding patterns of 22 biotinylated lec tins were examined for characterisation of glycoconjugates in the component s of the olfactory mucosa of the armadillo Chaetophractus villosus. The muc ous lining the olfactory epithelium showed binding sites for DSL, WGA, STL, LEL, PHA-E and JAC. Only the basilar processes of the supporting cells sta ined for Con-A and S-Con A. The olfactory receptor neurons stained with LEL , LCA, Con A, S-Con A, JAC and PNA. The layer of basal cells did not react with any of the lectins studied. Bowman's glands in the lamina propria show ed subpopulations of acinar cells reacting with SEA, S-WGA, WGA, STL, Con A , PSA, PNA, SJA, VVA, JAC and S-Con A, but in our optical studies with lect ins we were unable to differentiate between mucous and serous cells in the way that is possible on electron microscopy. The ducts of Bowman's glands w ere labelled with S-WGA, STL, LEL, PHA-E, BSL-I and JAC. This histochemical study on the glycoconjugates of the olfactory mucosa in the order Xenarthr a provides a basis for further experimental investigations.