The cell surface coat in neurulating mouse and rat embryos, studied with lectins

Carbohydrates in the surface coat of cells are thought to have a function in cell adhesion. The surface coat of cells, located in the fusion zone of the neural walls is investigated during neural tube closure in mammalian embryos. The presence of alpha-D-mannose, alpha-D-glucose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine is quantified with the help of the lectins concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin in absence or after enzymic treatment. A two-step incubation is used, in which the second step consists of a protein-gold conjugate. A high incidence of these sugar residues was found in the fusion zone, indicating a relation to the specific capacity of these cells in establishing cell contacts.