Distribution of Lectin Binding in Rat Testis and Epididymis

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Abstract
Seven lectins (PNA, RCA I [Ricinus communis agglutinin] SBA, Con A [concanavalin A ], WGA [wheat germ agglutinin], UEA I, DBA) conjugated with rhodamine were employed to analyze the staining pattern of glycoproteins with varying sugar residues in the testis and epididymis of adult Wistar rats. Some lectins (UEA I, SBA, DBA) gave rather specific staining of the mature acrosome, while others (PNA, RCA I) showed affinity for the early stages of acrosome formation or had a wide affinity for germinal and non-germinal cells and structures (Con A, WGA). In the epididymis the sperm mass had a homogenous staining reaction with some lectins (PNA, RCA I, Con A, WGA, DBA) which also showed a rather strong reaction on the epithelial surface. Evidently this reaction is at least partially due to the secretory products synthesized by principal, apical, narrow and light cells of the epididymal epithelium. Some differences in the staining pattern of these cells were recorded indicating specialization of the cells for the production of distinct glycoproteins. The staining pattern of the interstitial and intertubular compartment of the testis and epididymis was also recorded.