Histochemical modifications of sugar residues in glycoconjugates of human palatine glands during development and maduration.

Abstract

Antecedents,- Most of the literature has focused on the morphological and histochemica] characteristics of palatine glancis during the development histogenesis and maturation process. However, there are no publications regarding protein glycosylation and the distribution of glycoproteins with N and 0-glycoside bonds, and their possihle functional role. Objective .- Based on this background we committed ourselves to studying the human palatine glands in clifferent age groups in order to determine the beginining of mucine secretion and the presence of glycoproteins with N and 0-glycoside borids during the processes of differentiation and maturation. Materials and method. - Human palatine glands were obtaincd from embryos, fetuses, newborn infants, youngsters and aclults. They were studied using histochemical methods (PAS, Dane, Alcian blue, Toluidine blue), and lectin histochemistry. Results.- The variations observed ¡o glycoconjugates during the development and maturation of human palaline glands show that secretion starts at early stagcs of prenatal development it is macle up of various sugars that might play an important role jo the pre-natal and postnatal l)eriocls. Conclusions.- The study of modifications ¡u sugar rcsiducs in the human l)alatine glands during embryogenesis, differcntiation and maturation processes aliows us to have further knowledge of their liistophysioloy and possible changes taking place during aging. This study may also help to understand pathologieal processes ¡o mature salival-y glands.