Cytochemical demonstration of lectin binding-sites in the cuticle and tissues of Acanthocheilonema viteae (Filarioidea).
The lectin-gold technique was used for the ultrastructural localization of lectin binding sites on thin sections of Lowicryl K4M embedded adult females, infective larvae and SDS-2-mercaptoethanol-insoluble cuticle components of Acanthocheilonema (Dipetalonema) viteae. Helix pomatia lectin (HPL) coupled to 14 nm gold particles, was used for the demonstration of N-acetyl-D-galactosamine-containing glycoconjugates. Triticum vulgaris (wheat germ) agglutinin (WGA) coupled to 10 nm gold particles after cross-linking to BSA or ovomucoid-gold after application of unlabeled WGA, demonstrated WGA binding sites (N-acetyl-D-glucosamine). With both lectins no surface labelling of the cuticle was observed, but subcuticular layers reacted positively. HPL-gold was bound to cuticular fibers, the matrix and to the electron dense layer within the cortical zone of the cuticle of female worms. WGA-gold complexes were bound mainly to the cuticle matrix and somatic tissues. The results support the hypothesis that tissue-dwelling parasitic nematodes have reduced their surface carbohydrates perhaps as a consequence of their parasitic life.
Kiefer
E
E
Department of Parasitology, University of Bern, Switzerland.
Rudin
W
W
Hecker
H
H
D000116:Acetylgalactosamine / Q000032:analysis; D000117:Acetylglucosamine / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D001665:Binding Sites; D004153:Dipetalonema / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D037102:Lectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron
D037102:Lectins; D000116:Acetylgalactosamine; D000117:Acetylglucosamine