Chondroitin sulfate in the extracellular matrix of the medial and lateral superior olivary nuclei in the dog.

Chondroitin sulfate was examined in the extracellular matrix of the canine medial and lateral superior olivary nuclei by light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. The extracellular matrix around the large neurons was intensely stained with a monoclonal antibody recognizing D-glucuronic acid 2-sulfate----N-acetylgalactosamine 6-sulfate (D-unit) and this staining degree was remarkably reduced after chondroitinase ABC digestion. Neuronal cytoplasm, glial cells or capillaries in these nuclei were not stained with the monoclonal antibody. The results indicate the presence of disaccharide residue of D-glucuronic acid 2-sulfate----N-acetylgalactosamine 6-sulfate in the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan of the extracellular matrix.