Lectin receptors in the cockroach neuromuscular system. I. Distribution among the set of coxal depressor muscles.

Fluorescent derivatives of plant lectins have been used to determine if there are biochemical differences among the cell surfaces of 6 muscles in the leg of the cockroach innervated in a fixed pattern by two identified motor neurons, Df or Ds. Histochemical analysis of the binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugates of the lectins to frozen sections of muscles has demonstrated that the surfaces of muscles innervated by motor neuron Ds have more alpha-N-acetylgalactosamine and/or D-galactose than do those of muscles innervated by motor neuron Df. Biochemical analysis of the glycoprotein lectin receptors by sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis has shown that approximately 10% of them are distributed among the various muscles in a manner that correlates with innervation by Df or Ds. Some of these macromolecules may be responsible for the biochemical differences in the muscle cell surfaces that could be specifically recognized by motor neurons. This intercellular recognition could mediate the reformation of the original innervation pattern during axonal regeneration.