Binding sites for glycosaminoglycans on developing sympathetic neurones

Recent studies have suggested that cell to cell communication in the immune system is mediated by cell surface receptors for glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) [Parish et al, 1984]. The intention of this study was to see whether similar recognition molecules for GAGs are present on sympathetic neurones. A mechanical dissociation technique was used to isolate neurones from superior cervical ganglia (SCG) of rats aged between gestational day 19 and postnatal day 21. Receptors for GAGs on sympathetic neurones were detected by the ability of neurones to form rosettes with sheep red blood cells coupled with one of 12 different GAGs. It was found that SCG cells bind to all the GAGs tested. In addition, a range of developmental binding patterns for the various GAGs was found.