Distribution of glycoconjugates localized by peanut and Maclura pomifera agglutinins during mouse molar root development.

Glycolipids, glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans and sialoglycoproteins have all been implicated in a number of developmentally significant processes related to complex interactions between cell surfaces and the extracellular matrix. The present study was designed to localize glycoconjugates recognized by peanut agglutinin (PNA) and Maclura pomifera (MPA) lectins during mouse molar root development. Postnatal ICR mice at 10, 15, 21, 28 and 42 days were used. Lower jaws were dissected, fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, decalcified in 5% EDTA and embedded in paraffin. Serial sections were made and stained with FITC-conjugated PNA or MPA. beta-Lactose was used as an inhibitory sugar for PNA, and alpha-D-melibiose for MPA. PNA specifically stained Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS), whereas MPA stained a number of tissues. The outermost layer of root dentin, forming cellular cementum, alveolar bone and HERS showed positive reactions with MPA. Glycoconjugates localized by the lectins may be functionally related to molecules which contribute to root formation and cemento-genesis.