Lectin histochemistry of dog major and minor salivary glands

The distribution of different carbohydrates in dog major and minor salivary glands was investigated using a peroxidase-labelled avidin-biotin method to demonstrate binding of six lectins (Canavalia ensiformis agglutinin [Con A], Dolichos biflorus agglutinin [DBA], Arachis hypogaea (peanut) agglutinin [PNA], Glycine max agglutinin [SBA], Tetragonolobus purpurea agglutinin [TGP] and wheat germ agglutinin [WGA]). With PNA, there was only weak staining in serous acini of parotid glands. Other lectins bound, to different degrees, to different components of the salivary glands; differences could be detected between glands and between binding of different lectins to serous and mucous acinar cells and to the epithelial cell cytoplasm, luminal surface and contents of ducts. These results provide a basis for the comparison of possible changes in carbohydrates which may occur in salivary gland diseases.