[Differential expression of mucin carbohydrates in human endometria]

The use of Lectins to identify oligosaccharides in mucin substances has been increased by the role played by cell surface carbohydrates in invasion and metastasis processes. We studied in this work normal endometrial tissue, with benign and malignant entities in search for the presence of the Galactose beta 1-3 N Acetylgalactosamine(Gal beta 1-3 GalNAC alpha and Galactose beta 1-3 N Acetylgalactosamine (Gal beta 1-3 alpha and beta) using the Lectins: Agaricus bisporus (ABL) and Arachis hipogea (PNA) respectively. The specific control were baths with galactose for PNA and with porcine stomach mucin for ABL. The use of these two Lectins allowed to differentiate substances bonded or non bonded to Sialic Acid, since PNA fails to label when the oligosaccharide is bonded to this acid Sialic. Significant differences were noticed on the bonding patterns of both Lectins on tissues with benign, malignant and normal entities. In this latter case the labelling was always continuous in both Lectins whereas it was irregular in the carcinoma.