Glycoconjugate distribution in gastric fundic mucosa of Umbrina cirrosa L. revealed by lectin histochemistry

The stomach of adult shi drum Umbrina cirrosa was investigated using a battery of nine horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectins combined with enzymatic treatment, in order to distinguish glycoconjugate sugar residues. Epithelial cells showed the presence of galactosyl(β1→4)N- acetylglucosamine, mannose, N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose and sialic acid-galactosyl(β1→3)N-acetylgalactosamine residues. Gastric pits had similar sugar residues with the exception of N-acetylgalactosamine which was less diffused. Gastric glands were characterized by the presence of glycoconjugates containing galactosyl(β1→3)N- acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, galactosyl(β1→4) N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine and a small amount of sialic acid linked to N-acetylgalactosamine.