Lectin histochemistry of fallopian tube epithelial cells. Relation to ovum transport and ovum pickup

Data on histochemical and biochemical characteristics of the human oviduct are scarce. The exact mechanisms of ovum transport and pickup are not fully understood. Human fallopian tubes were obtained and prepared for histochemistry. We analyzed the distribution of negatively charged groups on the ovi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of reproductive medicine Vol. 43; no. 6; p. 535
Main Authors Kiss, H, Walter, I, Lehner, R, Egarter, C, Breitenecker, G, Böck, P
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.06.1998
Subjects
ABO Blood-Group System
Adult
Concanavalin A
Electrochemistry
Epithelial Cells - chemistry
Fallopian Tubes - chemistry
Fallopian Tubes - cytology
Female
Glycocalyx - chemistry
Glycoconjugates - analysis
Glycoproteins - analysis
Histocytochemistry
Humans
Lectins
Menstrual Cycle
Ovum Transport
Plant Lectins
Polylysine - pharmacology
Wheat Germ Agglutinins
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Summary:Data on histochemical and biochemical characteristics of the human oviduct are scarce. The exact mechanisms of ovum transport and pickup are not fully understood. Human fallopian tubes were obtained and prepared for histochemistry. We analyzed the distribution of negatively charged groups on the oviduct epithelium and cumulus cells and examined the distribution of glycoconjugates by means of lectin histochemistry. We tested the possible influence of poly-L-lysine and considered ABO blood group expression since these characteristics are determined by specific terminal sugar residues. A negatively charged glycocalyx exists on tubal epithelial cells and cumulus cells. Adherence by affinities similar to sugar-lectin binding forces could be disproven in case of commonly used lectins. Poly-L-lysine inhibited the cationic binding reaction but did not influence lectin binding. The blood group A glycoprotein presents terminal D-N-acetyl-galactosamine residues, which are demonstrated by HPA lectin binding. Our study indicates that it is unlikely that electrostatic interactions play a major role in ovum transport or pickup. Since poly-L-lysine has been described as inhibiting ovum transport, sugar-lectin binding affinities seem not to operate in ovum transport or pickup.
ISSN:0024-7758