A lectin histochemical study of the oesophagus of shi drum

Abstract

The saccharide composition of surface and secretion glycoconjugates in the oesophagus of Umbrina cirrosa was examined by means of lectin histochemistry. Mucous cells showed the presence of N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid linked to the dimer galactosyl(β1→3) N-acetylgalactosamine. Columnar epithelial cells had a positive reaction with almost all the lectins employed, located in the supranuclear region and in the cell coat. The presence of abundant and various glycoconjugates in the secretions of shi drum oesophagus was correlated to the absence of salivary glands in fishes in general. © 2004 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.