[Lectin histochemical studies on species differences in the mammalian trabecular meshwork]

Lectin histochemical studies were performed to clarify the species differences in the location of glycoconjugates in the trabecular meshwork (TM) of various mammals, i.e., the mouse, rat, rabbit, pig, and ox, to find an experimental model for human TM. Cryosections were made and stained with sixteen kinds of biotinylated lectin followed by an avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC). Strong positive reactions in the TM of all 5 kinds of mammals were observed for ConA, PHA-E4, PHA-L4, WGA, ABA, LCA, RCA 60, RCA 120, DSA, and SSA. The TM of the 5 kinds of mammals was weakly positive for Lotus. Rabbit, pig and ox TM were positive for MAM and others were negative. Rabbit, pig and ox TM were weakly positive for PNA and were negative in the other's. Rat TM was weakly positive for SBA and was negative in the other's. The TM of all 5 kinds of mammals was negative for UEA-I and DBA. It could be concluded that species difference exists in lectin binding site in the TM.