[Lectin-peroxidase markers of the microglia in paraffin sections]

Human brain of healthy persons and those with meningoencephalitis was studied with the use of five lectins (castor-oil plant, elder black, arachis, graphe-snail and bean trefoil) conjugated with peroxidase. Lectins of castor-oil plant and elder are proved to be convenient markers of microglia. Lectin of the elder stained also components of vascular wall. Some increase of microglia content was observed in the peak of meningoencephalitis. Destruction of microgliocytes with the formation of giant forms of these cells was noted in long lasting meningoencephalitis when characteristic perivascular accumulations of large SNA- and RCA-positive cells appeared. Lectin of the bean trefoil showed increased affinity to the cytoplasmic glycopolymers of the pyramid neurocytes, astrocytes, vascular wall components. The character of the bean trefoil lectin binding with brain components changed in the meningoencephalitis.