title: Lectin binding pattern and proteoglycan distribution in human eccrine sweat glands.
abstract: The distribution pattern of glycoconjugates in human eccrine sweat glands has been studied by the binding of newly discovered lectins and by antibodies against a chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan and chondroitin sulphate glycosaminoglycans. Mannose-specific lectins labelled large intracellular granules, part of which could be extended cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus. In contrast, lectins specific for terminal mannose/glucose residues predominantly labelled basement membranes and the glycocalyx. Lectins recognizing terminal N-acetylgalactosamine groups left most parts of the glands unstained, but stained some dark cells intensely. These last cells were also intensively labelled by N-acetylglucosamine-specific and by fucose-specific lectins. Sialic acid residues were preferentially located in luminal borders of secretory coils. No terminal galactose residues were detected. All antibodies against chondroitin glycoconjugates stained large granules similar to those revealed by the mannose-specific lectins in the secretory cells. The basement membrane is only stained by the proteoglycan antibody and the chondroitin-6-sulphate antibody. Thus, a complex composition of glycoconjugates exists not only in matrix elements but also in the cells of eccrine glands of the human skin. A possible secretion of glycoconjugates is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Anatomical Institute, University of Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sames
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Moll
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: van Damme
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Peumans
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Schumacher
mesh_terms: D011508:Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans / Q000378:metabolism*; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates / Q000378:metabolism*; D004439:Eccrine Glands / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D037102:Lectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D011485:Protein Binding
chemical_list: D011508:Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans; D037102:Lectins; C038142:chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates