Histochemical Analysis of Glycoconjugates in the Disseminate Prostate Gland of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa riukiuanus)

抄録

The results obtained in the present study demonstrated the precise localization and characterization of glycoconjugates in the disseminate prostate gland of the wild boar, using glycohistochemical methods including lectin techniques in light microscopy. According to the present results, it was apparent that glycoconjugates with neutral and acidic groupings were contained in the secretory epithelial cells and luminal secretions. In these glycoconjugates, a series of saccharide residues were visualized such as α-D-glucose, α-D-mannose, α-L-fucose, β-D-galactose, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (sialic acid). In addition, an abundance of glycoconjugates with terminal sialic acids was revealed in the peripheral parts of the prostate gland, as compared with its central parts. The terminal saccharide residues of glycoconjugates were more abundant in Siaα2-6Gal/GalNAc than those in Siaα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc. Furthermore, some specifically MAA reactive acinous cells were detected in the glandular epithelium. The present histochemical results provide useful information regarding the close correlation between the physiological role of the disseminate prostate gland and the glandular glycoconjugates in the wild boar.