Lectin binding in the ependymal cells of the cephalic portion of the nervous system in the chick embryo
Gheri, G.; Vichi, D.; Sgambati, E.
Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology 111(2): 83-96
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 1122-6714 PMID: 16981397 Document Number: 602207
The content, distribution and changes of the glycoconjugates oligosaccharides in the ependymal cells of the cephalic portion of the nervous system, in the chick embryo from 5 days of incubation till hatching and in the 3 days old chicken, were investigated. For this purpose a battery of six HRP-conjugated lectins were used (WGA, SBA, UEAI, LTA, PNA, ConA). Enzyme and chemical treatments were performed on some sections prior to staining with HRP-lectins. Our findings showed a large amount of all the investigated sugar residues at the apical portion of the ependymal cells, for the whole considered period of incubation and in the 3 days old chicken. This could indicate that also the immature ependymal cells (spongiobasts) begin to play a tipical role of the mature cells. The presence of cytoplasmic sopranuclear granules, containig D-glucosamine, D-galactose(beta 1 -> 3)-N-acetil-D-galactosamine and sialic acid in the early stages of incubation, might represent a secretion by the ependymal cells to integrate a not yet fully functioning secretion by the choroid plexuses. At the ciglia a large amount of oligosaccharides were detected in the second part of the period of incubation and in 3 days old chicken. These oligosaccharides could be involved in determining and mantaining the movement of the ciglia to facilitate the flow of the CSF.