[Comparative WGA-lectin histochemical study on the mandibular condylar cartilage from normal and low...

Mandibular condylar cartilage from normal and low phosphate-vitamin D deficient rats were investigated by lectin histochemistry utilizing wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). We obtained the following results: 1) The cartilage from low phosphate-vitamin D deficient animals consisted predominantly of hypertrophic chondrocytes with abundant extracellular matrix. 2) The territorial matrix of the hypertrophic cell zone of normal cartilage was intensely labelled with WGA, whereas the binding affinity of this region in low phosphate-vitamin D deficient animals was significantly diminished. 3) Compared to normal cartilage, WGA binding sites were demonstrated in the inter-territorial matrix of low phosphate-vitamin D deficient animals to a moderate degree. 4) Abolishment of the territorial WGA binding affinity in low phosphate-vitamin D deficient animals was presumed to indicate the accumulation of chondroitin sulfate which is believed to be a strong chelator of calcium ion.