Lectin histochemical identification of the carbohydrate moieties on N- and O-linked oligosaccharides in the duct cells of the testis of an amphibian urodele, the spanish newt (Pleurodeles waltl)

Histochem J. 2000 Dec;32(12):717-24. doi: 10.1023/a:1004196926553.

Abstract

The aim of the present work was to study the carbohydrate moieties present on N- and O-linked oligosaccharides of duct cells of a urodele amphibian testis, by means of lectin histochemistry. It was found that duct cells have a carbohydrate composition that includes alpha(1,3)-, alpha(1,4)- or alpha(1,6)-linked Fuc and Man on N-linked oligosaccharides, Gal and GlcNAc on O-linked oligosaccharides, and DBA-positive GalNAc, alpha(1,2)-linked Fuc and Neu5Ac alpha(2,3)Gal beta(1,4)GlcNAc on both N- and O-linked oligosaccharides. All the duct cells showed the same lectin labelling pattern, the only exception being some sparse duct cells that showed the sequence Neu5Ac alpha(2,6)Gal/GalNAc. The possible roles of duct cells in sperm maturation and the hypothesis for a common origin of duct and follicle (Sertoli) cells in the urodele testis are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carbohydrates / analysis*
  • Fucose / analysis
  • Galactosamine / analysis
  • Galactose / analysis
  • Glucosamine / analysis
  • Histocytochemistry / methods
  • Lectins / chemistry*
  • Male
  • Mannose / analysis
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / analysis
  • Oligosaccharides / chemistry*
  • Salamandridae / anatomy & histology
  • Salamandridae / metabolism*
  • Testis / chemistry*
  • Testis / cytology

Substances

  • Carbohydrates
  • Lectins
  • Oligosaccharides
  • Fucose
  • Galactosamine
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid
  • Glucosamine
  • Mannose
  • Galactose