Rooster comb and wattle tissues contain an anti-keratan sulfate monoclonal antibody epitope

Glycosaminoglycan fractions isolated from either comb or wattle tissue were examined using ELISA for their antigenicities to AH12, a monoclonal antibody recognizing keratan sulfate. The results showed a positive antibody binding to a sulfated glycosaminoglycan fraction from either tissue. The treatment of the same fraction with keratan sulfate degrading enzyme, keratanase, or endo-beta-galactosidase resulted in a decrease in its antigenicity. These findings indicated the presence of AH12 epitope (keratan sulfate disaccharide) in both tissues.