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Glycosylation pattern in the appendix testis in children with cryptorchidism
Gerardo Lopez1, Salvador Jmenez, Ruth Martinez
1Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Medicas y Biológicas Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, México.
Preparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology
|January 14, 2011
Summary
Glycans play a key role in the development of the appendix testis, a structure sometimes found in children with cryptorchidism. This study used lectin histochemistry to identify specific glycan expressions in affected tissues.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Histology
- Glycobiology
Background:
- Cryptorchidism, the failure of testicular descent, can be associated with the appendix testis.
- The appendix testis is a small structure located at the superior pole of the testis.
- Glycans are implicated in developmental processes and may play a role in cryptorchidism and appendix testis formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of glycans in the development of the appendix testis in children with cryptorchidism.
- To analyze glycan expression patterns using lectin histochemistry.
Main Methods:
- Lectin histochemistry was employed to examine glycan expression.
- Various lectins (Lens culinaris, Ulex europaeus I., Canavalia ensiformis, Artocarpus integrifolia, Glycine max, Griffonia simplicifolia, Amaranthus leucocarpus, Dolichus biflorus) were used to probe tissue sections.
- Epithelial and stromal cells of the appendix testis in cryptorchid children were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Lectins from Lens culinaris, Ulex europaeus I., Canavalia ensiformis, Artocarpus integrifolia, Glycine max, and Griffonia simplicifolia recognized both epithelial and stromal cells.
- No interaction was observed with Amaranthus leucocarpus lectin.
- Dolichus biflorus lectin specifically recognized epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that O-glycans attached to glycoproteins are significant components in the development of the appendix testis.
- Specific glycan profiles may be indicative of developmental processes in cryptorchidism.
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