Lectin histochemistry in the estradiol stimulated and nonstimulated MCF-7 cells

Six lectins were investigated for their binding affinity to MCF-7 cells stimulated and non-stimulated by estradiol. Except UEA-7 and Con A, all lectins (PNA, DBA, RCA60, WGA) showed the prevalent binding affinity to cytoplasm of polygonal cells in the centre of colonies. These cells differentiated more rapidly in non-stimulated cultures and intensity of their staining depended on cultivation time. The UEA-1 showed a weak binding capability which indicates that L-fucose is not a terminal sugar in glycoconjugates. Some other findings suggest that terminal expression of L-fucose can be regulated by other steroids. Con A bound all cells and was independent on estradiol stimulation.