Lectin-binding studies of a human skin mastocytoma.

A solitary mastocytoma of the skin was investigated to assess the lectin-binding pattern of human mast cells. Of 18 Fluorescein-labelled lectins tested, nine reacted with mast cell granules. While lectins recognizing N-acetylgalactosamine or fucose residues did not stain mast cells, lectins with binding sites for N-acetylglucosamine, alpha-methyl mannopyranoside, galactose, complex carbohydrates of N-acetyl-lactosamine type and sialic acid gave a positive reaction.