Studies of lectin binding to the human cervix uteri: I. Normal cervix

Abstract

Lectins of Bauhinia purpurea (BPA), Canavalin ensiformis (Con A), Griffonia simplicifolia I (GS I), Griffonia simplicifolia II (GS II), Maclura pomifera (MPA), Arachis hypogaea (PNA), Glycine max (SBA), Ulex europaeus I (UEA I) and Triticum vulgaris (WGA) were used to evaluate cell surface carbohydrates in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections of normal human cervix uteri. Consistent patterns of staining of the squamous epithelium were obtained in all 30 cases with BPA, GS II, MPA, PNA, SBA and WGA. A variable distribution of lectin binding was seen in squamous epithelium with Con A, GS I and UEA I. The patterns of GS I and GS II binding reflected squamous epithelial maturation. Columnar epithelium did not stain with GS II, stained variably with Con A, and stained consistently with the remaining seven lectins in all cases. No association between lectin binding and blood group or phase of the menstrual cycle was found. These findings may be used as a baseline for evaluation of lectin binding in both preinvasive and invasive lesions of the cervix uteri.

Glycoproteins and glycosidases of the cervix during the periestrous period in cattle1

“…As expected, this was consistent with an increase in secretory activity in the cervix during estrus that correlates with requirements for sperm transport, but it is interesting to note that this peaked at least 48 h after the onset of estrus. In humans, neutral, sialylated, and sulfated cervical mucins have been detected (Yurewicz and Moghissi, 1981) but studies report either no association with stage of the menstrual cycle (Byrne et al, 1989) or an increase in neutral mucins at the time of ovulation (Andersch-Björkman et al, 2007).…”

Lectins in Cervical Screening

“…In previous studies of lectin histochemistry in FFPE human cervical tissue, Griffonia simplicifolia II was the only lectin from a panel of nine which showed significantly different binding patterns between normal and CIN, but no difference was found using WGA [ 31 , 32 ]. These studies, however, were performed with a majority of specimens containing CIN 1–2.…”

“…A panel of 11 candidate lectins were identified for initial screening. Eight [ 31 , 32 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 ] were identified via a literature search: Concanavalin ensiformis (ConA) [ 31 , 49 , 52 , 54 , 60 ]; Griffonia simplicifolia II (GS II) [ 31 , 32 , 59 ]; Vicia villosa agglutinin (VVA) [ 51 ]; Artocarpus integrifolia -Jack fruit lectin (JFL) [ 55 , 57 , 58 ]; Sambucus nigra (SNA) [ 53 ]; Maackia amurensis (MAA) [ 53 ]; Ulex europaeus I (UEA I) [ 31 , 32 , 45 , 47 , 48 ]; Dolichos Biflorus agglutinin (DBA) [ 52 , 59 ]. The other three lectins were those which best identified dysplasia in Barrett’s oesophagus [ 9 ]: Triticum vulgaris (wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)); Helix pomatia agglutinin (HPA); Aspergillus oryzae lectin (AOL) [ 9 ].…”

The expression of Lewisa and Lewisb antigens reflects changes in fucosylation between normal and neoplastic cervical squamous epithelium

“…Changes in the glycoconjugate profile on the cell membrane of normal basal and superficial cells and of neoplastic cells in stratified epithelia such as skin and the squamous mucosa of the cervix uteri have been well documented using ultrastructural' and lectin histochemical techniques. [2][3][4][5][6] Changes in fucosylation of glycoconjugates are of particular interest since fucose residues are found at the end of complex carbohydrate chains and are thought to have a role in cell to cell recognition, growth, and adhesion. A link between fucosylation and metastatic potential of murine mammary tumours and the lymph node status in human breast tumours has been reported.…”