Lectin binding in the human foetal testis

• Published in: Histology and histopathology Vol. 18; no. 3; pp. 735 - 740
• Main Authors: Gheri, G, Vannelli, G B, Marini, M, Zappoli Thyrion, G P, Sgambati, E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Spain 01-07-2003
• Subjects: Cell Differentiation; Endothelial Cells - metabolism; Epithelium - metabolism; Glucose Oxidase - metabolism; Humans; Lectins - metabolism; Leydig Cells - metabolism; Male; N-Acetylneuraminic Acid - metabolism; Neuraminidase - metabolism; Oligosaccharides - chemistry; Oligosaccharides - metabolism; Sertoli Cells - metabolism; Testis - embryology; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0213-3911
• DOI: 10.14670/HH-18.735

In the present study we have investigated the oligosaccharidic content of the glycoconjugates within the human foetal testis starting from its earliest differentiation phase (8, 10 and 12 weeks of gestation). To this purpose we have used a battery of six horseradish peroxidase-labelled lectins (SBA, PNA, WGA, UEAI, LTA and ConA). We have obtained a complete distributional map of the sugar residues of the glycoconjugates in the coelomic mesothelium, tunica albuginea, pre-Sertoli cells, pre-gonocytes, Leydig cells, basement membrane of the sex cords, interstitial tissue, mastocytes and endothelial cells of the capillary vessels. Since the beginning of the testis differentiation phase the cells of the coelomic mesothelium showed a large amount of sugar residues. In the pre-Sertoli cells and in the pre-gonocytes a role played as structural molecules by some oligosaccharides could be hypothesized. D-galactose-(beta1-->3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, sialic acid, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and alpha-D-mannose could be involved in inducing and maintaining the cellular activity of the Leydig cells.