Mucosubstances in Brunner's glands of the mouse

The mucins of Brunner's glands in the mouse have been studied by histochemical methods. The secretion droplets in both acinar cells and the cells lining the ducts are PAS-positive and diazyme-resistant. The latter cells are alcianophilic at pH 2.5, react positively with Hale's colloidal iron method and exhibit metachromasia with azure A. The reaction to Hale's colloidal iron method is lost after digestion with neuraminidase. These results suggest that an acid as well as a neutral mucopolysaccharide is present in the secretion of Brunner's glands of the mouse, the acid mucosubstance being a sialomucin. The possible significance of this finding is discussed. This work was performed in partial fulfilment of work for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of Sheffield. It was supported by a Research Fellowship from the World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) during a study leave granted by the University of Lagos, Nigeria.