Microscopic visualization of axon carbohydrates

Localization of glycoproteins and mucopolysaccharides in Central and Perypheral Nervous System axons of several mammals is studied by means of histochemical techniques. In some system of fibers of the Central Nervous System the inside of the axon appears PAS positive. However, Concanavalin A binding sites were not observed inside the axon. The myelin surface showed positivity for the Colloidal Iron method, PAS, and Concanavalin A. Differences for the PAS and Colloidal Iron methods among the axons of the Central Nervous System and those of the Peripheral Nervous System were observed. The study of three stages of postnatal development in the rat brain shows changes in the mucopolysaccharides content of the axons in function of the stage of development. The diverse involvements of the results obtained in relation to neuronal activity, axonal transport and morphogenesis of the Nervous System are discussed.