Abstract
Using lectin staining methods in combination with exo- and endo-glycosidase digestion procedures, we analyzed the chemical structure of different types of blood group-related substances in serous cells of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human submandibular glands. Serous cells produced only H antigen; A and B antigens were not present, and the expression of H antigen is dependent on the secretor status of the tissue donor. Although reactivity with Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA-I) was not markedly reduced by alpha-L-fucosidase digestion, an affinity for peanut agglutinin (PNA) was seen after fucosidase digestion in the cells from secretors. In those from nonsecretors, no PNA reactivity appeared after enzyme digestion. On the other hand, sialidase digestion elicited PNA reactivity in serous cells irrespective of the donor's secretor status. PNA reactivity observed after fucosidase or sialidase digestion was susceptible to endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (endo-GalNAc-dase) digestion. SBA reactivity in UEA-I-negative cells from secretors, or in cells from fetuses and newborn infants, was markedly reduced by beta-galactosidase digestion. After galactosidase digestion, reactivity with Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin II (GSA-II) appeared in the corresponding cells. This GSA-II reactivity was almost completely eliminated by subsequent beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase digestion. Whereas PNA reactivity in these cells was not reduced by beta-galactosidase treatment, it was significantly diminished by endo-GalNAc-dase digestion. These results suggest that at least two kinds of precursor disaccharides are produced in submandibular serous cells, i.e., SBA-reactive D-galactose-(beta 1-3,4)-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and PNA-reactive D-galactose-(beta 1-3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine alpha 1-serine or threonine (O-glycosidically linked Type 3 chain or T antigen). Final fucosylation and synthesis of these two types of precursor chain appear to be under the control of the secretor gene.