Characterization of glycoconjugate expression during development of Meckel's cartilage in the rat

Abstract

The staining patterns of 24 biotinylated lectins were analyzed in serial sections of the mandible of 13- to 21-day-old rat embryos by means of the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method. A ubiquitous distribution of binding sites was demonstrated after incubation with Con A (Canavalia ensiformis), DSL (Datura stramonium; except bone matrix), and WGA (Triticum vulgare). ECL (Erythrina cristagalli), GSL I (Griffonia simplicifolia), SJA (Saphora japonica), VVL (Vicia villosa), DBA (Dolichus biflorus), UEA I (Ulex europeus), and LTA (Lotus tetragonobolus) were constantly negative. In early stages of development, GSL II (Griffonia simplicifolia II) was a selective marker of prechondral blastema. In contrast, PNA (Arachis hypogaea) did not stain condensing mesenchyme. During chondrogenesis of Meckels's cartilage a general decrease of lectin binding was observed. Mature cartilage matrix was constantly negative. Chondrocytes were marked by the lectins PSA (Pisum sativum), WGA, PHA-E, and PHA-L (Phaseolus vulgaris E and L). A strong GSL II binding was restricted to the mesial-superior region of the perichondrium. In later stages, several lectins revealed significant differences between preskeletal ("central") areas and the remaining ("peripheral") mesenchyme. A clear binding reaction was noted in central regions by applying LEA (Lycopersicon esculentum) and STL (Solanum tuberosum), while the peripheral tissue was only faintly stained. Developing bone was specifically marked by succinylated WGA (sWGA). The lectins LCA (Lens culinaris) and RCA (Ricinus communis) bound to fibers and extracellular matrix of the connective tissue. Jacalin (Artocarpus integrifolia) and SBA (Glycine max) binding sites were found in macrophages. Affinity of VAA (Viscum album) increased parallel with maturation of endothelial cells. Specific lectin-binding patterns revealed no correlation with the distribution of glycosaminoglycans. The results demonstrate a general reduction of oligosaccharide structures during development of Meckel's cartilage. From our observations we conclude that intralaminar glucose and/or mannose sequences as well as terminal sialic acid molecules are ubiquitously distributed, while terminal alpha-fucose was constantly negative. Lectin-binding patterns of macrophages may reflect the presence of specifically linked terminal galactose. Our findings indicate that oligosaccharides terminating in N-acetylglucosamine are bone-specific. The significance of the restricted staining of the perichondrium by GSL II remains to be elucidated.

Glycoconjugate Expression and Cartilage Development of the Cranial Skeleton

“…Therefore, 'complex-type' oligosaccharides are labeled. Contrary to our earlier accounts [Zschäbitz et al, 1995b] that described a continuous reduction of Con A-reactive glycoconjugates during development of cartilaginous anlagen, more detailed analysis of fetal stages demonstrate a short but significant accumulation of high mannose-type oligosaccharides during initiation of condensation. This observation could explain that reduced [Paulson et al, 1980] as well as enhanced [Zimmermann and Thies, 1984] staining intensities for cartilaginous blastemata have been reported in the literature.…”

Binding of Lectins to Novel Migration Promoters on Cardiac Mesenchymal Cells in the Chick.

“…Con A might inhibit migration of CMcells with other mechanisms rather than binding to the terminal Man and/or Glc of migration promoter. For instance, Con A binds also to GlcNAc (49). In any case, the terminal Man and Glc were not functionally essential in CMcell migration, because additional Man and Glc in the medium did not disturb migration.…”

Morphological Observation of Process of Mouse Temporomandibular Joint Formation

“…In the other hypothesis, the joint cavity is formed by the disappearance of cells in the region between the 2 primordial bones due to cell death. Matsuda suggested the involvement of apoptosis in the formation of the joint cavity by confirming apoptotic bodies with an electron microscope during the developmental process of the TMJ in human 16,18) . Solitary and diffuse TUNEL-positive cells were noted around the joint cavity on embryonal day 18.…”

“…In particular, in mouse, although the developmental period of the lower joint cavity showed variation, development occurred after birth in many studies [5][6][7] . The ossification point of the mouse mandible is present in mesenchymal tissue near the lateral side of Meckel's cartilage, and mandibular development occurs upon intramembranous ossification of the point 8,10,18) . The posterior end region of Meckel's cartilage, which bends into a hooked shape, becomes the auditory ossicles, while the rest of the cartilage disappears during the fetal period 2,10) .…”