Lectin probes of glycoconjugates in human salivary gland neoplasms: 2.

Lectins are proteins or glycoproteins which exhibit a high affinity for specific sugar molecules. Terminal sugars on cell surface or cytoplasmic oligosaccharides bound to proteins and lipids can be probed with lectins. This study records the lectin-binding characteristics of 20 salivary gland neoplasms and compares them with observations in normal human serous and mucous salivary glands. The results of this study support the current histogenetic concepts for the development of some of the salivary gland neoplasms.