ISSN:
1432-069X
Keywords:
Lectins
;
Carbohydrates
;
Epidermis
;
Melanocytes
;
Immunoelectronmicroscopy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The ultrastructural localization of carbohydrate residues in human melanocytes of normal epidermis and of one compound naevus was studied. The following lectins were used in a post-embedding technique: 1. peanut agglutinin (PNA), which reacts specifically with N-acetyl-galactosamine; 2. Concanavalia ensiformis (Con A) indicating α-d-glucose and α-d-mannose binding sites; 3. Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA I) specific for α-l-fucose; 4. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), reacting specifically with N-acetyl-glucosamine and neuraminic acid (sialic acid); and 5. Limax flavus agglutinin (LFA), also specific for sialic acid (Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal and Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal). When incubated with WGA, Con A and LFA strong labelling was seen within the cytoplasm and in the plasma membrane of melanocytes, whereas incubations with PNA and UEA I revealed an occasional gold particle only. The determination of the distribution of carbohydrate residues in normal melanocytes is a prerequisite for future studies of abnormal melanocytes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00371947
Permalink
