Histochemical evaluation of postnatal lectin-binding sites in the mouse prostate.

The prostate is a male accessory genital gland that plays an essential role in reproductive function. To understand the cytological characteristics of differentiating prostatic cells, we used lectin histochemistry combined with immunohistochemistry to examine the distribution of lectin-binding sites on prostatic cells during postnatal development in the mouse. During postnatal development, Hippeastrum Hybrid Lectin (HHL) lectin reacted consistently with the luminal cells of all prostatic lobes (regions), whereas the Ricinus Communis Agglutinin I (RCA-I) and Soybean Agglutinin (SBA) lectins showed remarkable differences with age, region, and cell type.

Lectin-binding sites in epithelial cells of the mouse prostate gland.

The prostate is an exocrine gland in the male reproductive tract that secretes seminal fluids. To gain insight into the cytochemical properties of prostatic epithelial cells, the characteristics of glycoconjugates in mouse prostate sections were examined by lectin histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Characteristic staining patterns were observed, depending on the type of lectins present in the epithelia.

Cytokeratin localization and basal cell differentiation in the epididymal epithelium during postnatal development of the mouse.

The epididymis is a male genital organ that has plays various functions, including sperm concentration, maturation, and storage. The epididymal epithelium consists of principal cells, clear cells, and basal cells. To comprehensively understand the occurrence and morphological differentiation of basal cells, we examined the expression and localization of cytokeratins (CKs) in the epididymal epithelium during postnatal development of the mouse.