[Lectin-histochemical analysis of pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland]

The sugar structures of the glycoconjugates in pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland were analyzed by examining the binding sites of 5 biotinylated lectins on tissue sections with or without sialidase digestion. Both galactose (Gal) beta 1,3 N-acetylgalactosamine and Gal beta 1,4 N-acetylglucosamine were present on the surfaces of ductal basal cells and stromal cells. The galactsyl residues in the glycoconjugates of ductal basal cells were either sialylated or exposed, whereas those of stromal cells were all sialylated. Since the synthesis of sugar chains of glycoconjugates is terminated by sialylation, their structure may mature as they progress from ductal basal cells to stromal cells.