Glycoconjugate characterization in the intestine of Umbrina cirrosa by means of lectin histochemistry

Goblet cells in the intestine of shi drum Umbrina cirrosa showed the presence of glycoconjugates particularly rich in fucose and N-acetylglucosamine residues. They displayed also sialic acid linked to galactosyl(β1→3)N-acetylgalactosamine and to galactosyl(β1→4)N-acetylglucosamine. All the nine horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectins employed with the only exception of GSA II marked the enterocytes supranuclear region and the cell coat; the cell coat showed a more intense reactivity toward the different lectins, particularly enhanced with the use of fucosyl specific lectins.