RECEPTORS FOR THE LECTINS WHEAT-GERM - RICINUS-COMMUNIS-I AND SOYBEAN IN AMELOBLASTOMAS AND NORMAL ORAL-MUCOSA

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 89  (6) , 439-449
Abstract
The histological distribution of receptors for the lectins of wheat germ (WGA), Ricinus communis I (RCA I) and soybean (SBA) was examined in ameloblastomas and normal oral mucosa from 12 patients. Fluorescein-conjugated WGA, RCA I and SBA were used. Cell-membrane bound receptors for these 3 lectins were demonstrated in the spinous cell layer of the normal oral mucosa. WGA and RCA I receptors were also located in the basal cell layer; SBA receptors were not detectable there. Cell-membrane bound WGA receptors were shown in the epithelial cells of the ameloblastomas. Titrations showed significant differences in staining reactivity related to the morphology of the peripheral epithelial cells of the ameloblastomas. The distribution of RCA I and SBA receptors in the peripheral cells was related to the morphology of these cells and was independent of the histological types of the tumors. The distribution of these receptors is apparently related to activities such as cell differentiation and cell migration in the tumor and therefore possibly reflects the biological behavior of the tumor.