Sponge glycoconjugates: immunological properties and localization by fluorescent antibodies and lectins.

By immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis, glycoconjugates previously isolated from a sponge, Spongia officinalis, and fractionated on lectins, showed identical immunological behaviour which was species specific. By fluorescent antiserum and lectins, these glycoconjugates were located on sections of two sponges, S. officinalis and Chondrosia reniformis. A strong pericellular staining occurred together with a diffused labeling.