Distribution of lectin bindings in the testes of the greater Japanese shrew mole, Urotrichus talpoides

Abstract

The binding patterns of 20 lectins in the testes of the greater Japanese shrew mole (Urotrichus talpoides) were investigated by light microscopy. Eleven lectins (WGA, sWGA, LEL, STL, Jacalin, PSA, LCA, BPA, Con-A, WGA and PHA-E) exhibited a positive reaction in the cytoplasm and acrosomal region of spermatids and in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells. LEL, BSL-I, DSA, sWGA, BSL-I and PHA-L were intensely positive in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells. The binding patterns in the acrosomal region of spermatids were divided into three types. For LEL, ECL and STL, the reaction was detected in the acrosomal regions from Golgi to cap phase spermatids and disappeared in acrosome and maturation phase spermatids. For SBA, VVL, ECL and DSL, the reaction was detected in the acrosomal region from Golgi to acrosome phase spermatids. No reaction was recognized in the acrosome of maturation phase spermatids. In DBA and Jacalin, the cytoplasm of maturation phase spermatids was positive although no reaction was detected in the acrosomal region of all spermatids. sWGA, BPA and LEL exhibited a strong reaction in the plasma membrane of zygotene spermatocytes at stages X and XI. BSL-II revealed a strong reaction in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia.