Histochemical localization of a beta-galactoside-binding lectin and its binding-sites in developing and adult rat cochlea.

The presence of an endogenous rat beta-galactoside-specific lectin (S-Lac) and its specific binding ligands was analyzed, using a rabbit anti-human brain lectin of 14 kDa antibody (anti-HBL-14) and a probe consisting of a biotinylated derivative of the human lectin (HBL-biot) in adult and in developing rat cochleas. At PD1, some epithelial cells of the outer spiral sulcus (OSS) were specifically recognized by the anti-HBL-14 antibody. Then, anti-HBL-14 immunoreactivity progressively appeared in all OSS epithelial cells, and, from PD9 on, it also appeared in inner spiral sulcus (ISS) epithelial cells. Finally, young adult rats exhibited a well defined anti-HBL-14 immunoreactivity in epithelial cells of the inner and outer spiral sulcus. Using the biotinylated probe, from PD3 on, tectorial membrane (TM) and the sensory cells apical surfaces were labelled. The glycoconjugate expression within the developing organ of Corti seems to be highly complex. Lectin was detected in developing and adult epithelial cells surrounding the organ of Corti. In contrast, other glycoconjugates related to B and H human blood group antigens, were transiently present on sensory cells of the organ of Corti. Present findings can be correlated with significant events in development of the cochlea, mainly with cell-cell recognition or cellular adhesion.