Lectin binding sites in human seminiferous epithelium, in CIS cells and in seminomas

The distribution of glycoconjugates in germ cells during spermatogenic differentiation, in carcinoma-in-situ (CIS) cells and in seminoma were studied by lectin histochemistry. The results show that human germ cells are rich in carbohydrate-containing compounds with specific alterations in the expression of glucosyl moieties during germ cell development. CIS cells reveal different lectin binding sites from spermatogenic cells, but the distribution of glycosubstances in CIS cells is similar to that of seminoma cells which supports the suggestion of the malignant nature of CIS germ cells.