Glycoconjugates in the Inner Ear as Revealed by Lectin-gold Technique

Abstract

Organ of Corti and vestibular ampulla were embedded in Lowicryl K4M. Wheat-germ agglutinin (WGA) or Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA) -gold was applied to thin sections for the localization of N-acetylglucosamine and galactose, respectively. Limax flavus agglutinin (LFA) and feutin-gold were applied for the localization of sialic acid. In the organ of Corti, WGA-gold was localized mainly on the tectorial and basilar membranes. In addition, LFA-gold was localized on reticular membrane. In the ampulla WGA-and RCA-gold were localized mainly on the cupula and the secretory granules in the supporting cells. Functional significance of these findings was briefly discussed.