Histochemical Lectin Study of Glycoconjugates Terminal Sugars during Retina Ganglionic Cell Differentiation in Rat Eye

Development of organs during embryonic period is the result of complex events and changes such as cellular reactions and molecular differentiations of every dependent structure that determine the ultimate fate of an embryonic undifferentiated cell. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of glycoconjugates terminal sugars and their changes on ganglionic cells surface of rat’s retina using histochemichal lectin technique during eye morphogenesis. Wistar rats were used. Zero day of pregnancy was determined. Pregnant rats were anesthetized on 14th, 15th and 16th days of gestation and the fetuses were removed and fixed in formalin solution which after tissue passage and 5μ sections preparation exposed to GSA1-B4, DBA, OFA and MPA lectins. Samples color background was Alcian blue with pH equal 2.5. 14-day samples ganglionic cells showed a poor reaction to the DBA and GSA1-B4 lectins. No reaction was observed on 15th and 16th days with the mentioned lectins. Response of these cells to MPA lectin began from 14th day weakly, increased on 15th day sharply and decreased on 16th day (average response). Reaction of the mentioned cells was moderate with OFA lectin on 14th day, was intense on 15th day and was weak 16th day. Changes in glycoconjugates terminal sugars of cell surface in terms of time is a set process in ganglion cells regulations during eye development and glycoconjugates containing fucose, α-D-Gal, β-D-Gal and N-acetylgalactoseamin terminal sugars play a crucial role in eye retina ganglionic cells development.