Electron microscopic detection of glycoconjugates in the chicken lens

The cytochemical localization of glycoconjugates in the 14-day old embryonic chick lens was analysed by lectin-gold labelling. Con A/HRP gold particles, specific for D-mannose labelled the interior of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, membranes of the Golgi complex, secretory vesicles and the plasma membranes of the lens epithelial cell. The lens capsule was heavily labelled. Lens fiber cell membranes were also labelled. In contrast LFA, specific for neuraminic acid, did not bind to the endoplasmic reticulum or nuclear membrane. Labelling of the Golgi complex, secretory vesicles and capsule was observed. The plasma membranes of epithelial and fiber cells were extensively labelled, and probably reflects the presence of glycolipids such as gangliosides.