Differential expression of two beta-galactoside-binding lectins in the reproductive tracts of pregnant mice.

Two beta-galactoside-binding proteins were isolated from uteroplacental complexes of pregnant mice and identified as the S-Lac lectins galectin-1 and galectin-3. The spatiotemporal pattern of appearance of those proteins was determined by immunocytochemistry. Galectin-1 was present in all tissue compartments of the uterus except the luminal and glandular epithelium.