Glycoconjugates in the secretory epithelium of the chicken mandibular gland.

In the secretory epithelium of the chicken mandibular gland, glycoconjugates have been studied by means of histochemical methods of light and electron microscopy. In light microscopy, a series of histochemical procedures have been employed which included lectin--peroxidase--diaminobenzidine methods and a digestion technique with neuraminidase or alpha-amylase. In electron microscopy, a battery of methods were used that corresponded to those employed in light microscopy. In the secretory cells of the chicken mandibular gland, vicinal diol- and sulphate-containing glycoconjugates with sialic acid, alpha-D-mannose, alpha-D-glucose and beta-D-galactose residues were visualized and the possible histophysiological significances of such glycoconjugates were discussed with special reference to the functions of the salivary gland.