Lectin Histochemistry of the Glycoconjugates in Partridge and Quail Conjunctival Epithelia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of the glycoconjugates in conjunctival epithelium of partridge (Alectoris chukar) and quail (Coturnix coturnix). Eyelid samples harvested from both species were subjected to routine tissue processing. Lectin histochemistry was applied to sections in order to demonstrate the expression of glycoconjugates. Six different HRP-conjugated lectins (Con A, UEA-I, PNA, HPA, MAA and BSA I-B4) were used for this purpose. The conjunctival epithelium in both partridge and quail consisted of goblet cells and nongoblet cells. Both PNA and HPA bound, to varying degrees, to the goblet cells and nongoblet cells in conjunctival epithelium of partridge and quail. Con A reacted with nongoblet cells in both species. While partridge conjunctival goblet cells showed no reaction to Con A, quail conjunctival goblet cells had a very weak reaction to Con A. UEA-I did not bind to any cells in partridge, however, quail conjunctival goblet cells and nongoblet cells could react to UEA-I. In both species, conjunctival epithelial surfaces reacted with Con A, UEA-I, PNA and HPA. However, MAA and BSA I-B4 did not bind any cell and/or part in both partridge and quail conjunctiva. The present data suggest that composition of glycoconjugates could be different between goblet cells and nongoblet cells of these species, but it could be very similar at conjunctival epithelial surfaces on which the content of the goblet cells and nongoblet cells is released.