Changes in Soybean Agglutinin (SBA) and Peanut Agglutinin (PNA) Binding Pattern in the Epidermis of the Developing Chick Embryo

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Abstract
Lectin binding pattern in the developing chick embryonic epidermis was studied using peroxidase labeling method. The epidermis of the 13‐day‐old embryo is in an undifferentiated state. Little binding of soybean agglutinin (SBA), specific for N‐acetyl‐D‐galactosamine, and peanut agglutinin (PNA), specific for β‐D‐galactose, was seen in such epidermal cells. As the epidermis developed toward keratinization, the cell membrane of the differentiating flattened cells was positively stained with SBA and PNA. The positive staining was also seen in the supranuclear region of the cells located between the flattened cells and the basal cells. The basal cells remained unstained in all the stages of development. Similar staining pattern with SBA and PNA was seen in the cultured skin explants during the epidermal differentiation in vitro. These observations show that the SBA‐ and PNA‐reactive glycoconjugates accumulate during the epidermal cell differentiation, suggesting their important roles in the maintenance of the ordered structure of the epidermis.