Changes in lectin binding patterns of chick primordial germ cells and Sertoli cells during sexual differentiation.

The distribution and properties of sugar residues in germ and Sertoli cells of differentiating chick gonads were examined by light microscopy using twelve different lectins. Characteristics binding patterns of ConA, RCA-1, BPA, WGA and STA were observed in germ and Sertoli cells during testicular development. BPA preferentially bound to the cytoplasm and plasma membrane of primordial germ cells (PGCs). BPA reaction appeared prior to stage 29, continued until stage 36, and completely disappeared at stage 37. This finding indicates that dynamic changes in glycoconjugates containing N-acetyl-D-galactosamine residues may occur in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane of PGCs. During the formation of testicular cords (stages 36-39), ConA, WGA, STA and RCA-I also showed a positive reaction on the cell surface of differentiating Sertoli cells. Therefore, these glycoconjugates on Sertoli cell surfaces may play an important role in testicular cord formation.