[Lectin histochemical analysis of the epithelial lining of the appendix in rabbits]

The binding of PSA, PNA, HPA, WGA, Con A, LCL, RCA, SBA, and PHA lectins to epithelial structures of the normal rabbit appendix was studied. Differences were observed in the affinity of some lectins to the epithelium of the intercryptal lining of the rabbit appendix, to the epithelium hemming the glandules and crypts of the domes of Peyer's patches. The obtained results document the difference in the affinity of individual batches of anti-WGA antibodies to this lectin after its binding to the epithelial structures studied. This implies the possibility that differently reacting antibodies may develop to different commercially available batches of WGA. Precipitation of WGA at sites of alkaline phosphatase occurrence demonstrates the relationship of this enzyme to WGA binding sites in tissues.