The use of fluorescein isothiocyanate labelled lectins for immuno-histological demonstration of saccharides. III. Studies by use of Ricinus communis lectin and wheat germ agglutinin.

Cryostat sections of heart, skeletal muscle, spleen, liver, cartilage, brain, nerve, tongue, esophagus and salivary gland from man, rabbit, rat and guinea pig were stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate labelled Ricinus communis lectin and wheat germ agglutinin. The stained sections were examined by fluorescence microscopy. The general pattern of fluorescence is very similar to that obtained with labelled Lens culinaris lectin and Concanavalin A. Particularly the lectins stain connective tissue structures of the organs. The staining intensity in these structures was weaker by wheat germ agglutinin as compared to the other lectins.