ISSN:
1573-4986
Keywords:
colon
;
histochemistry
;
lectins
;
rectum
;
ulcerative colitis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract Ulcerative colitis is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory condition of the large bowel associated with åbnormalities of mucin synthesis and secretion. In the present study, glycans were identified in 45 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples from patients with ulcerative colitis. The tissue samples represented a spectrum of inflammation from chronic quiescent disease to severe inflammation. Thirteen biotinylated lectins, directed against a range of sialyl, fucosyl andN-acetylgalactosaminyl sequences, were applied using an avidin-peroxidase revealing system. The results were assessed semiquantitatively for a number of cellular sites. The expression of all sialyl sequences was increased in absorptive cells and in goblet cells and the expression of α2–6-linked sialyl sequences was enhanced in proportion to the degree of inflammation, while α2–3-linked sialyl sequences were diminished in more severe inflammation. The binding ofN-acetylgalactosaminyl-directed lectins was increased in the Golgi apparatus, while there was a reduction in the expression of α-fucosyl sequences in severe degrees of inflammation. This suggests that there is an increased biosynthetic rate for sialyl residues in all stages of disease with a reduction in α2–3-linked sialyl and fucosyl sequences in severe inflammation, and a shift from storedN-acetylgalactosaminyl sequences in goblet cells to an earlier form in the Golgi apparatus. The changes in sialyl sequences are a feature of ulcerative colitis even in quiescent disease and may be related to its aetiology and early pathogenesis, while most of the other changes reflect the severity of the disease and are probably part of its later pathogenesis or of induced reactive changes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00919331
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